Rapper Macklemore and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced significant pledges toward humanitarian aid for Palestinians amid a controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour.
On Wednesday, Macklemore stated he would donate over $1 million in net earnings he received as a supporting act on Sheeran’s tour. He also challenged Kraft to match his contribution. Hours later, Kraft said he had already committed $2 million to humanitarian assistance following a request from Sheeran to match a contribution made by the singer himself.
In an Instagram post, Macklemore emphasized the value of Palestinian lives, writing, “Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting.”
The controversy began earlier this week after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he called for a “free Palestine.” Macklemore claimed that Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium where the New England Patriots play, had informed Sheeran that he would not allow Macklemore to perform in Foxborough. Macklemore also alleged that Kraft had urged other stadium owners to oppose his participation in the tour.
Kraft confirmed that he barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper’s comments as well as what he described as a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.” Kraft, who founded the foundation to Combat Antisemitism, stated his decision was not intended to diminish the suffering of Palestinians or to suppress advocacy on their behalf. “I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting,” Kraft said in a social media post Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran attempted to clarify that the decision to exclude Macklemore from the tour was made by the promoter, not by him personally. However, by the end of Tuesday, several of Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts, including his backing band, had left the tour. Some cited objections to what they saw as the silencing of an artist speaking out in support of Palestinians.
Macklemore, who has received support from various artists and politicians, expressed concern that the focus of the conversation had shifted away from the Palestinian people themselves. He emphasized that the core issue remains the Palestinians’ right to freedom, dignity, and safety in their homeland.
He pledged to donate his tour earnings to six organizations: Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, American Near East Refugee Aid, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Macklemore also encouraged others to contribute to these causes if possible.