Political commentator Candace Owens reacts to Zach Bryan’s ‘Free Palestine’ shirt at Gillette Stadium after Macklemore controversy

Zach Bryan, a country music artist, wearing a “Free Palestine” shirt during his performance in Gillette Stadium has brought a new wave of attention to the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore, Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft, the owner of the stadium. Another person who commented on the issue was conservative personality and commentator Candance Owens.

What Candace Owens said about Zach Bryan

Following Bryan’s October 2 performance in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Owens posted on X: “This is amazing. Only made more amazing by the fact that Zach Bryan served our country. Genocide is always wrong.” Her comment connected Bryan’s military background with his public display of support for Palestinians.


Prior to pursuing music as a career, Bryan was a member of the US Navy. According to biography.com, he joined the navy when he was 17 and was honorably discharged in 2021 after serving for eight years.

Also Read: 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

Bryan did not give an explanation regarding why he was wearing the shirt during the concert. He was playing his first performance out of the two scheduled shows at the Gillette stadium under his With Heaven On Tour.

The response to Owens’ post was sharply divided. Some users praised Bryan and interpreted the appearance as a pointed response to the earlier controversy involving Kraft. One commenter wrote, “Zach good job! I think there is a man in a BAR on a STOOL who is very pissed off right now. Even better.”

Others rejected Owens’ characterization of the Gaza war. One reply stated, “Except Israel didnt commit a genocide,” while another simply wrote, “Not a genocide.” Another commenter questioned Owens’ sincerity, asking whether she “actually gives 2 F’s about Palestine.”

Why the shirt became part of the Macklemore controversy

The timing was significant because Gillette Stadium is owned by the Kraft Group, whose chairman and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft became involved in the controversy surrounding Macklemore.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks and saying “Free Palestine” during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium. Reuters reported that the tour promoter said venue owners had refused to host shows featuring Macklemore.

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Kraft subsequently confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at Gillette Stadium. In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, Kraft cited what he described as a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery,” while also saying the decision was not intended to diminish Palestinian suffering.

Where Ed Sheeran stands

Sheeran later said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the U.S. tour promoter, not him. He said venues had indicated they would pull upcoming shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup and that he had spoken with venues, including Kraft, while attempting to find a resolution.

Macklemore has since launched a Free Palestine Tour, with proceeds intended for organizations supporting Palestinians. The dispute has therefore continued beyond the original tour, with Bryan’s appearance at Kraft’s stadium adding another highly visible moment to the debate over artists using concert stages to express political views.