# Kraft bans Macklemore, AOC cries censorship

> Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and CAIR attack the Patriots owner's decision to keep the pro-Palestinian rapper out of his stadium.
- Title: Kraft bans Macklemore, AOC cries censorship · OutKick
- Summary: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and CAIR attack the Patriots owner's decision to keep the pro-Palestinian rapper out of his stadium. Private business owners have…
- Keywords: robert kraft, macklemore, alexandria ocasio-cortez, aoc, new england patriots, gillette stadium, cair, free speech, israel, palestine, gaza, ed sheeran tour
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/macklemore-ban-robert-kraft-draws-fire-aoc-cair-advocate-free-speech-convenient
- Author: Armando Salguero
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: robert kraft, macklemore, alexandria ocasio-cortez, aoc, new england patriots, gillette stadium, cair, free speech, israel, palestine, gaza, ed sheeran tour
## Kraft boots Macklemore from stadium
Patriots owner Robert Kraft banned pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium. The show included antisemitic allegations of genocide by Israel.
## AOC calls it censorship
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed Kraft's decision threatens American free speech. She warned a handful of stadium owners could now silence artists on any issue.

> this is about how just a handful of stadium owners and the elite can prevent an entire massive issue
## The free speech argument fails
Kraft isn't required to host anti-Jewish speech at his own business. If Jewish owners must serve antisemites, must Black owners serve open racists?
## AOC repeats genocide claim
Ocasio-Cortez casually called the Gaza conflict a genocide. Pro-Palestinian advocates routinely make this claim while ignoring that Hamas started the war.
## Hamas started the war
Hamas killed 1,200 Jews on October 7, 2023, including civilians, women, children and babies. Kraft said ignoring Hamas actions only advances divisiveness and hate.

> only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate.
## AOC sat with controversial mayor
At the September 11th ceremony, Ocasio-Cortez sat with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who also perpetuates the genocide claim. Victims' families gathered 100,000 signatures asking him to skip it.
## CAIR demands Macklemore's reinstatement
The Council on American Islamic Relations told tour promoters to reinstate Macklemore. CAIR is designated as a terrorist or criminal organization in Texas and Florida.

> They should pursue legal options or reschedule his tour rather than give in to bullying by billionaires
## CAIR's selective free speech
CAIR would never demand mosques allow Gospel preaching or let Kraft read the Torah inside. The group only advocates free speech when it's convenient.
## Key takeaway

Private business owners have the right to refuse service based on speech they find objectionable, regardless of political pressure.