Zach Bryan wears ‘Free Palestine’ shirt at Gillette Stadium: What it has to do with Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft

Country singer Zach Bryan made a barbed statement during his concert at Gillette Stadium on Friday, October 2, by wearing a black shirt that read “Free Palestine” at the venue owned by New England Patriots's Jewish owner Robert Kraft.

The Grammy-winning singer was performing the first of two scheduled shows at the Foxborough, Massachusetts, stadium when he took the stage in the shirt. Members of his band were also seen wearing clothing supporting Palestine, according to footage from the concert and reports from TMZ. Bryan did not explain the shirt or directly mention Kraft or Macklemore from the stage.

Why Zach Bryan’s free Palestine shirt is getting attention

From the timeline of events, it’s apparent that Zach Bryan’s free Palestine was not a result of a wardrobe malfunction. Gillette Stadium recently became part of a controversy involving rapper Macklemore and his pro-Palestinian comments.

Macklemore, who has been a critic of Israel’s treatment of Gaza, had been performing as an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour. During a September 4 show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he told the crowd “Free Palestine” and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”

Soon afterward, Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone that venue owners for upcoming shows had told promoters they would not allow concerts to go ahead with Macklemore on the lineup.

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What did Robert Kraft say about Macklemore?

Macklemore said Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, was involved in the decision. Kraft later confirmed that he opposed Macklemore performing at the stadium.

Kraft told Al Jazeera that Macklemore’s recent performances, along with a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery,” were factors in Gillette Stadium’s decision that his scheduled September 25 and 26 appearances would “cross that line.”

Where Ed Sheeran stood in the controversy

Sheeran later said in a lengthy Instagram post that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter rather than by him. He also said he had spoken directly with Kraft while trying to find a resolution.

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A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

Macklemore has since announced a Free Palestine Tour, with proceeds intended for organizations supporting Palestinians. His first announced European shows in Dublin, Paris and London have sold out, he announced on an Instagram post.