Robert Kraft is standing by his decision to ban Macklemore from playing at Gillette Stadium, saying the rapper’s recent comments and past controversies crossed a line for the venue.In a lengthy statement on Monday, Sept. 14, Robert Kraft said Gillette Stadium has a responsibility to provide a welcoming environment and prevent events from becoming platforms for hate speech.New England Patriots v Seattle Seahawks - Source: GettyHe cited the material provided by Macklemore from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s New Jersey shows, along with what Robert Kraft described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery he believes has deeply offended members of the Jewish community.“Based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line.”Macklemore was scheduled to perform at Sheeran’s Sept. 25 and 26 concerts at Gillette Stadium. In light of Robert Kraft’s move, Macklemore had been dropped from the tour.However, the billionaire businessman clarified that his move was not meant to undermine the plight of the Palestinians or stop anyone from campaigning for their rights.“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real. But that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas, a United States and globally (including Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, and Japan) designated terrorist organization whose horrific actions have caused immeasurable suffering for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”The longtime New England Patriots owner, who also owns and operates the stadium through the Kraft Sports Group, has been fighting antisemitism and participating in projects related to Jewish communities for many years.He also said he has directed funds towards Palestine and developed sports and entrepreneurship programs for Palestinians.Robert Kraft admits he “agrees” with Macklemore, but not on “focusing on only one side”Meanwhile, Robert Kraft stated that he supports Macklemore on the importance of acknowledging the pain people go through as a result of the war. However, he believes that taking sides on the issue causes segregation.“I agree with Macklemore. Too many lives have been lost and there has been too much suffering, but only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate.”He went on:"Standing with the Palestinian people and standing against Hamas, antisemitism and hate should not be mutually exclusive."The billionaire also praised Ed Sheeran, saying he respects the singer’s ability to bring people together through music and has been proud to host him and his fans at Gillette Stadium.5th Lollapalooza Paris Festival - Day Two - Source: GettyDespite the dispute, Robert Kraft said he would be willing to meet with Macklemore to discuss their differences.“I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts, because ultimately our goal is the same – peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate.”The statement comes a week after Macklemore told the massive crowd, "Free Palestine," during his opening set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The gesture, however, garnered immediate pushback from groups like the Anti-Defamation League and StopAntisemitism, as well as from some celebrities like Pink.