Rapper Macklemore has pledged $1 million from his earnings on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to organizations providing support to Palestinians, adding another major development to the dispute surrounding his removal from the tour.
The Macklemore donation will be divided among six organizations, including the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera. Macklemore announced the decision on September 16, saying he wanted attention to return to people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Macklemore Invites Robert Kraft to Match His Donation
Alongside announcing the Macklemore donation, the rapper publicly challenged Robert Kraft to match his $1 million contribution. Kraft owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, one of the venues where Sheeran is scheduled to perform.
Macklemore’s announcement came days after he was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s tour. He had performed as an opening act before making comments supporting Palestinians during concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month.
Macklemore has said Kraft played a role in the decision to remove him from the tour. Sheeran later said the decision was made by the tour promoter rather than by him. Kraft has also addressed the controversy, saying that he believes Macklemore’s recent comments and what he described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery crossed a line.
Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft Respond
Kraft responded after the Macklemore donation was announced, saying Sheeran had contacted him earlier that day and asked him to commit $2 million toward humanitarian aid in the region.
Kraft said Sheeran planned to contact other venue owners as well, with the stated goal of working together to help address the humanitarian crisis. However, reporting from ABC News noted that Kraft’s statement did not specify which organizations would receive the money or clearly confirm that the donation had already been made.
Some reports have described the development as Sheeran and Kraft committing $2 million each, while other reporting has emphasized that the exact recipients and status of the funds remain unclear.
The Macklemore donation has also come as several other performers connected to Sheeran’s tour withdrew. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga have all announced their departures following Macklemore’s removal.
For Macklemore, the Macklemore donation shifts attention away from the tour dispute and toward humanitarian assistance. The rapper said the money would go to organizations already working directly with Palestinians.
The developments are expected to remain a major part of the discussion around Sheeran’s upcoming U.S. shows, particularly as the controversy continues to involve artists, venue owners and questions about charitable support.
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