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Rosie O’Donnell blasted New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and singer Ed Sheeran on Friday during an appearance on Ireland’s “The Late Late Show,” accusing Sheeran of making a “very bad mistake” after Macklemore was removed from his U.S. tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian performances.
O’Donnell made the accusation after host Patrick Kielty asked about the controversy surrounding Kraft, Sheeran and Macklemore.
“I think Ed Sheeran made a very bad mistake and that he will come to understand the ramifications of siding with a billionaire elite, in supporting genocide rather than the people who are saying, ‘This is wrong. We will not stand for it. We are human beings and each human life matters and that’s what’s the most important thing,'” O’Donnell said.
Rosie O’Donnell accused Ed Sheeran of making a “very bad mistake” by siding with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft amid the Macklemore tour controversy. (Getty Images)
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“Hollywood in Toto” host Christian Toto said celebrities face pressure within the entertainment industry to adopt a particular position on the Israel-Palestinian conflict and compared the dynamic to the entertainment industry’s response to Black Lives Matter.
“There is only one acceptable answer for celebrities when it comes to the ongoing Israel/Palestinian conflict. Say ‘Free Palestine’ and nothing else,” Toto told Fox News Digital in comments Sunday. “It’s the new BLM, a contentious issue where celebrities know they’ll gain approval within their circle by repeating that mantra. They also understand they won’t be pressured to defend their point of view by the vast majority of entertainment reporters. It’s a safe space for them. Journalists now know they can pepper stars with similar questions and get a similar response (and lots of clicks for their interviews).”
“Most artists know better than to alienate audiences with their political views,” he continued. “The Springsteens, Morellos and Macklemores remain the exception. Concert ticket prices are too high for most bands to get on their soapbox and risk dooming repeat business. Actors don’t make the connection between their divisive words and audience reaction. They simply want to appease their fellow actors and make nice with potential directors and casting directors. So they read from the approved script.”
O’Donnell called Kraft part of the “billionaire elite” and accused Sheeran of “supporting genocide” by backing him in the dispute. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
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O’Donnell directly targeted Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium and founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, after Kielty referenced Kraft’s role in opposing Macklemore’s appearance at the venue.
“Well, he’s part of the billionaire elite,” she said. “Those are the most corrupt people in the United States right now. And they have sort of performed a coup on the American government. And it’s very tragic.”
Nick Fondacaro, associate editor for NewsBusters, reacted to O’Donnell’s comments, saying, “Are we surprised that an unabashed 9/11-truther took an irrational and unhinged position?”
“It’s irresponsible and incendiary to claim a coup has taken place in America, especially when political violence is on the rise. Given that people like Charlie Kirk and Brian Thompson have been killed by leftists for their political causes, Rosie’s prediction that Sheeran will come to learn a lesson sounded like a warning or threat,” he continued. “It’s hypocritical that a multimillionaire like Rosie things that Robert Kraft didn’t have the same rights as she and Macklemore. The stadium is his property, and he can decide who to allow in or not, just like they can bar Kraft from their multimillion-dollar mansions.”
Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran’s “Loop Tour” after repeatedly saying “Free Palestine” and performing “Hind’s Hall” during shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The rapper alleged Kraft told Sheeran he would not be permitted to perform at Gillette Stadium and rallied other venue owners against his continued participation. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venues had informed them they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.
Christian Toto told Fox News Digital that celebrities faced pressure to repeat “Free Palestine” messaging and warned political activism could alienate audiences. (Getty Images)
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Kraft defended his position by citing what he described as Macklemore’s “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery,” while stressing that his decision was not intended to dismiss Palestinian suffering. Kraft said support for Palestinians and opposition to Hamas and antisemitism were compatible positions.
“Standing with the Palestinian people and standing against Hamas, antisemitism and hate should not be mutually exclusive,” Kraft said.
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Sheeran has also publicly rejected the implication that he supports the suffering of Palestinians. During his first concert after the controversy, Fox News Digital reported from Philadelphia that Sheeran condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack while also criticizing the scale of civilian suffering in Gaza.
“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” Sheeran said.
Sheeran also pledged $2 million toward humanitarian relief and asked Kraft to match the contribution. Kraft agreed, saying he had spent decades supporting programs bringing Palestinians and Israelis together. Macklemore separately pledged the $1 million he said he earned from the tour to Palestinian aid organizations.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Kraft, Sheeran and Macklemore for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.