Dave Portnoy Praises Robert Kraft for ‘Having a Spine’ & Banning Macklemore from Gillette Stadium Following Pro-Palestine Comments

Dave Portnoy is sharing his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran‘s Loop Tour.

While opening Ed‘s shows last weekend in New Jersey, Macklemore made comments in support of Palestine.

Ed later dropped Macklemore from his tour after billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft banned the rapper from performing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

On Wednesday (September 16), Dave took to X to praise Robert for banning Macklemore.

Here’s what Dave Portnoy said

“I back Robert Kraft banning Macklemore from performing at Gillette 1000% and thank him for having a spine when many others in his shoes don’t,” the Barstool Sports founder wrote.

In an accompanying video, Dave expanded on his views.

“Macklemore has a pretty shady past,” Dave said, pointing to the “Thrift Shop” rapper’s previous incidents, including a 2014 concert where he dressed in costume during a concert, which many viewed as antisemitic. The costume included a black wig, a fake beard, and a large, hooked nose. Macklemore later apologized for the costume.

“He also blamed or called what was going on in Gaza ‘genocide’ 12 days after the attacks,” Dave continued. “Now keep in mind, he’s not mentioning the 2,000 innocent Jews who got murdered, raped, slaughtered when Hamas invaded Israel.”

He also noted that Robert has been a long supporter of Israel, which Dave noted is on display at Gillette Stadium.

“If you don’t know, Bob Kraft has spent the last 10 years of his life aggressively fighting antisemitism and hate,” he said. “I’ve been to Gillette. They have, like, an antisemitism war room where they track all the hatred that’s going on in the country. He’s spent millions.”

Dave then asked, “You’re going to come into Bob Kraft’s house and spit in his face? No f***ing way. That’s not censorship … this ain’t freedom of speech, homie. He owns the stadium. It’s his house. Would you have a party and invite someone over who’s just going to spew what you consider hatred?”

What has Ed Sheeran said about the Macklemore controversy?

Earlier this week, Macklemore was removed from his remaining Loop Tour dates after multiple venues reportedly objected to him remaining on the lineup following his pro-Palestine comments during Ed‘s New Jersey concerts.

After his removal, Macklemore spoke out and revealed details about private conversations he had with Ed. He also claimed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, had objected to him performing at the venue and alleged that other stadium owners had also threatened to pull Ed‘s shows.

Robert later confirmed that he did not want Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium, though he did not address the claim that he had rallied other venue owners.

Ed subsequently broke his silence and said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his. He said he had spent days speaking with venues in an attempt to find a solution before the tour promoter ultimately made the decision.

The controversy continued when Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga all withdrew from the remaining tour dates in support of Macklemore and Palestine.

Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and Robert Kraft have announced major donations

The latest developments have also resulted in millions of dollars being pledged toward humanitarian aid.

Macklemore announced that he is donating his entire $1 million in net earnings from Ed‘s tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians. He also publicly invited Robert to match his donation.

Robert then revealed that Ed had already called him before Macklemore‘s public challenge and asked him to match a planned $2 million donation for humanitarian aid.

Robert subsequently announced that he would also commit $2 million. He said Ed planned to contact other venue owners in an effort to raise additional money

Ed‘s Loop Tour is scheduled to resume on September 19 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Find out which stars have publicly supported Macklemore following his removal from the tour.

The post Dave Portnoy Praises Robert Kraft for ‘Having a Spine’ & Banning Macklemore from Gillette Stadium Following Pro-Palestine Comments appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.