Zach Bryan wears ‘Free Palestine’ T-shirt at Robert Kraft’s stadium; Hind Rajab jersey sends a powerful message amid Macklemore row

US country singer Zach Bryan wore a ‘Free Palestine’ t-shirt during a performance at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Friday night in an apparent message to the venue’s owner, Robert Kraft. Bryan did not address the t-shirt while on stage. Musician Nate Head wore a white and tan striped "Palestine" jersey with the name Hind Rajab on the back and the number 5. On January 29, 2024, Hind Rajab and her family attempted to follow Israeli evacuation orders, fleeing their neighbourhood in Gaza City in a black Kia car driven by her uncle. Hind Rajab was killed after the Israeli military opened fire on the car she was in as her family tried to flee Israeli evacuation orders.

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Other band members also support 'Free Palestine'

Members of Zach Bryan's band were also reportedly seen wearing similar ‘Free Palestine’ t-shirts. Guitarist Noah Le Gros also joined in on the statement ... and wore a green jersey with "Palestine" written on it as well. The shirts and jersey are apparently from Wear the Peace, an organization that donates to programs and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.


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"We are so honored to see musician Noah Le Gros rocking our Palestine Jersey on stage at the Gillette Stadium (owned by Robert Kraft, the same guy who called Ed Sheeran to kick Macklemore off the tour) Noah and Zach both stood for Palestine tonight on a stage that tried to ban the simple mention of it. Free Palestine," the organization said in a tweet.

Zach Bryan ‘Free Palestine’ t-shirt meaning revealed

The 'Free Palestine' t-shirt worn by Zach Bryan was an indirect message to the venue’s owner, Robert Kraft.Kraft, the billionaire owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots, was central in the removal of rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s ongoing tour of the US. The move came after Macklemore made pro-Palestine statements on stage while opening for Sheeran. Kraft played a huge part in having Macklemore kicked off of Ed Sheeran's tour after he made pro-Palestinian remarks during 2 shows in New Jersey.

While opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, Macklemore took a short break from his set and said “free Palestine”. The following night at the same venue, Irish-American rapper Macklemore addressed Jewish fans directly. He said his criticism of the Israeli government was not aimed at Jewish people.

Macklemore removed from Sheeran’s US tour

Sheeran’s Loop tour was scheduled to continue at Gillette Stadium for two shows, with Macklemore announced as the support act for both dates. However, Macklemore was removed from the lineup after Kraft reportedly threatened to cancel the concerts if he remained involved. Kraft, who is Jewish, has long supported Israel and its government and has not publicly commented on the T-shirt Bryan wore on stage. The Gillette Stadium concerts, scheduled for September 25 and 26, were ultimately cancelled because of severe weather warnings in the area.

Other artists pull out in solidarity

Macklemore’s removal triggered further controversy, with several Irish acts withdrawing from their remaining dates with Sheeran. Those who pulled out included Aaron Rowe and Beoga. International artists, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, also withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. As a result, Sheeran was left without any of his previously announced support acts for the rest of his US dates.

After Macklemore’s removal, Sheeran posted a statement on Instagram saying he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine”.

During his September 19 concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Sheeran apologised for “making mistakes” in the way he handled the Macklemore controversy.

Later in the show, he also apologised to the audience for discussing the issue at the beginning of the concert. He acknowledged that families “didn’t buy a ticket to hear that first bit”.

Macklemore pledges $1 million for Palestinian aid

The controversy has also prompted Macklemore to announce a $1 million (€888,150) donation to organisations providing aid to Palestinians. The money will come from his tour earnings.

He has also announced a three-date ‘Free Palestine’ tour, including a performance at Dublin’s 3Arena later this month. Tickets for all three shows sold out quickly.