Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tells TMZ that the Ed Sheeran controversy is a gateway to a much bigger threat to artists’ freedom of speech:
“You see what Robert Kraft did to line up all of the stadium [owners] to censor speech in that one specific way, it becomes clear this is not just about one music artist or two music artists. This is about how just a handful of stadium owners and the elites could prevent an entire massive issue like the genocide in Gaza [from being discussed]. It doesn’t stop there; it could be speaking about AI or any issue. You can just get a handful of stadium owners to ensure that an entire person’s career can be jeopardized if they speak out about any issues.”
Kanye West did a song titled Heil Hitler and is currently doing a concert tour, which has included multiple dates at Raymond James stadium in Tampa that has banned Macklemore for saying end the genocide & free Palestine
fucking absurd
Macklemore says Ed Sheeran and his team decided to remove him from tour due to his comments in support of Palestine, after Kraft Group rallied stadium owners and gave Ed an ultimatum:
“[Ed] told me that the words ‘Free Palestine’ and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with. I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood. But he couldn't get past his public facing, ‘I don't take sides.’”
Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at https://t.co/cLu9I7M2wC
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at https://t.co/arzrqInqJA
When Dolly Parton lost the Oscar to Three Six Mafia, she sent them a letter congratulating them and saying she was proud they brought it home to Tennessee.
One of one. Never to be equaled.