Lorde Wears 'Free Palestine' Jacket, Calls Out Robert Kraft

Lorde made a bold statement at this year’s Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival, wearing a custom jacket emblazoned with the words “Free Palestine” and directly calling out billionaire Robert Kraft. The pop star shared the outfit on her Instagram Story on October 5, tagging Kraft in a photo taken during her October 3 performance in Austin, Texas.

The jacket, hand-decorated by Lorde herself, featured the phrase “FREE PALESTINE!!!!!!” in large, all-caps lettering along the bottom. The move comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Kraft’s involvement in the recent Ed Sheeran and Macklemore tour fallout. Kraft, CEO of the Kraft Group and owner of Gillette Stadium, reportedly pressured venue owners to drop Sheeran from their schedules unless he removed Macklemore as an opener after the rapper displayed pro-Palestinian messages and visuals during his sets in early September.

The dispute escalated quickly. Sheeran’s U.S. promoter, Messina Touring Group, terminated its contract with Macklemore, who later donated his $1 million earnings from the tour to Palestinian aid. In solidarity, all remaining openers—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and Lukas Graham—withdrew from the Loop Tour. Kraft later announced a donation to humanitarian organizations in Gaza but emphasized that his actions were not meant to silence advocacy for Palestinians, though he framed the issue as a matter of balancing support for both communities.

Lorde’s public stance is not new. Nearly a year before her ACL appearance, she shouted “Free f—king Palestine!” during a performance at Madison Square Garden while singing her hit “Team.” Her latest gesture at ACL reinforces her long-standing support for Palestinian rights and aligns her with Macklemore, who is now organizing a Free Palestine Tour to raise funds for aid. The tour, which includes sold-out dates in Dublin, London, and Paris, has yet to announce its full lineup, but Lorde’s recent actions suggest she could be a natural fit.

For fans, Lorde’s statement at ACL is a powerful moment of solidarity, particularly for those who have followed her activism. While the festival itself did not comment on the jacket, the image quickly circulated online, sparking discussions about artistic freedom, corporate influence in music, and the role of musicians in political advocacy.

What This Means for Fans

• Lorde’s Activism: This is not the first time Lorde has used her platform to advocate for Palestinian rights. Her consistent messaging resonates with fans who value artists taking political stands.
• The Free Palestine Tour: Macklemore’s upcoming benefit tour is already generating buzz, with Lorde’s name frequently mentioned as a potential collaborator. Fans should keep an eye on official announcements for lineup updates.
• Broader Industry Impact: The controversy highlights tensions between artists, promoters, and venue owners over political expression in live performances. It raises questions about who holds power in shaping tour lineups and whether artists can freely align with causes without facing backlash.

Practical Info for Attending Future Events

While Lorde’s ACL performance has passed, fans interested in similar events can: - Follow Macklemore’s Free Palestine Tour for updates on additional dates or artist announcements. - Stay tuned to Lorde’s social media for potential future performances or statements on the issue. - Check local venues and festivals for artists known to engage in political or humanitarian advocacy.

Lorde’s jacket at ACL is more than a fashion statement—it’s a reminder of how live music can serve as a platform for activism, sparking conversations that extend far beyond the stage.