Macklemore has accused Robert Kraft and other stadium owners of blacklisting him from an Ed Sheeran tour.
In an Instagram statement on Monday, the rapper said Kraft told Ed Sheeran that Macklemore could not perform at Gillette Stadium if he was involved.
Macklemore claims the New England Patriots owner called Ed after the rapper's pro-Palestine comments at MetLife Stadium went viral.
He says Kraft then got other stadium owners on board, and Ed was given an ultimatum: drop Macklemore or lose access to their stadiums.
Friendship Under Strain
Macklemore said he has known Ed for 13 years and considers him a brother.
But the two had several tough conversations over the past week that ended in what Macklemore calls a fundamental disagreement.
According to Macklemore, Ed told him the words "Free Palestine" and the Palestinian flag were upsetting to people he had spoken with.
Macklemore rejected Ed's neutral stance, saying Ed kept repeating "I don't take sides," while Macklemore argued there is no neutral position on Gaza.
Still, Macklemore said he knows Ed was put in a difficult position and insisted he is not trying to tear down his longtime friend.
He also said he hopes the friendship survives.
As for the tour, Macklemore said he did not need all 10 shows anyway, just a couple stadium-sized chances to say "Free Palestine."
