Ed Sheeran's Gillette Stadium concerts canceled amid storm warning

The Loop Tour promoter Messina Touring Group announced on Instagram that Ed Sheeran's performances at Gillette Stadium on Friday and Saturday have been canceled because of a forecasted storm, citing fan and staff safety as the primary concern.

The cancellation follows a recent controversy in which stadium owner Robert Kraft asked that rapper Macklemore be removed from the tour after the artist made a pro-Palestinian statement. After Macklemore's removal, four supporting acts withdrew in solidarity. Sheeran posted that the decision to drop the rapper was made by the promoter, not by him, and emphasized his commitment to fans and the touring crew.

Kraft, who also owns the New England Patriots, said his foundation focuses on combating antisemitism and that Gillette Stadium aims to avoid providing a platform for hate speech. He referenced past criticism of Macklemore's 2014 stage costume, which some viewed as a Jewish caricature, noting that the rapper had apologized for that incident.

"Much of my time and attention for the last decade has been focused on the fight against antisemitism and hate of all kinds, and I feel a responsibility to stand up when I believe that line has been crossed," Kraft said.

The venue's decision to cancel the shows was presented as a safety measure, concluding the week’s disputes.