Macklemores anti-Israel rant: Letters to the Editor Sept. 21, 2026
The Issue: Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after his comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict.I’m glad that Robert Kraft wouldn’t let Macklemore perform at Gillette Stadium (“Mack’s blitz defied NFL team owners,” Sept.18).Younger generations are so easily manipulated that it takes an adult to redirect them.
How much longer will these fans ignore the fact that “Free Palestine” is a tacitly anti-Israel slogan?Musicians are arrogant to think they can perform wherever they want without consequences, and Macklemore is a coward for using the suffering of Palestinians to disguise his anti-Israel agenda.I suggest he play a concert in Gaza — with the blessing of Hamas — to get a dose of reality.Greg RaleighWashington, DCFinally there are consequences for anti-Israel hate speech.Thank you, Robert Kraft, and the seven other stadium-owners who dropped Macklemore from the remainder of the tour.He should blame himself for getting kicked out of these venues — not Robert Kraft.Betty SchwartzLivingston, NJMacklemore shouldn’t go on an anti-Semitic rant without knowing the facts.The misery in Gaza was purposely provoked by Hamas to gain political sympathy and recognition.Mel YoungWest Dover, Vt.Dolly Parton reminded people that she was in the music business, not the politics business.
If she had spoken about her politics, her sales would have plummeted.It’s a shame that Macklemore lacks her wisdom.Richard ShermanMargate, Fla.Ed Sheeran’s warmup act, Macklemore, got in trouble because he truncated the proper expression: “Free Palestine from Hamas.”Bill RiegelLong IslandAntisemitism has become almost de rigueur at many of today’s live rock concerts.And even a cursory check on Macklemore would have revealed that this is his modus operandi.Past generations took for granted that a ticket to a rock concert would actually admit you to a rock concert; no longer.
Today you are likely to also hear a political diatribe from the artist, whether you...