New York — Rapper Macklemore has pledged to donate his net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s ongoing Loop Tour to Palestinian relief organizations following his removal from the tour lineup amid controversy over his pro-Palestinian remarks made during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The Grammy winner announced the pledge in a social media post on Wednesday, emphasizing his intent to refocus public attention on the humanitarian situation facing Palestinians.
Macklemore’s decision came after four supporting acts withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity, amid uncertainty and debate over who was responsible for his removal. The six nonprofits designated to receive the funds include Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and others assisting Palestinians.
Leaders of these organizations said the financial support, along with increased public attention, is crucial to raising awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians. Alicia Phillips Mandaville, acting CEO of the nonprofit Anera, described the persistent difficulties on the ground. “Even if you don’t see bombs falling every night, the rubble is still there,” she said, adding that the psychological impact on children remains severe.
The conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, reignited by a Hamas-led attack in October 2023 that resulted in over 1,200 deaths and hostages taken, has led to substantial casualties among Palestinians. Israeli military operations since the fragile ceasefire took effect last October have resulted in more than 1,000 Palestinian deaths.
Macklemore has been a consistent advocate for Palestinian issues, previously pledging proceeds and streaming royalties from his protest songs “Hind’s Hall” and its sequel to UNRWA. Mara Kronenfeld, CEO of UNRWA USA, stated that the royalties have already generated more than $509,000 in support.
The rapper’s latest pledge has sparked additional contributions from public figures and everyday donors. Rachel, a YouTube musician and educator, announced a $1 million donation to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and encouraged matching gifts. Separately, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium—where Sheeran is scheduled to perform—pledged on Instagram to match Sheeran’s $2 million donation for aid “in the region,” but did not specify exact recipients.
Macklemore has attributed his removal from the tour to pressure from Kraft, who criticized the rapper’s “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” in a statement last week. Macklemore has denied any antisemitism, arguing that criticism of Israeli government policies should not be conflated with antisemitism.
Online grassroots fundraising efforts have also surged. Progressive influencers helped raise over $72,000 for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund following the controversy. Anera reported donations through social media on Wednesday were more than triple its usual daily average, alongside a gain of over 8,000 new social media followers.
Mandaville expressed hope that this new exposure will expand the nonprofit’s reach to younger audiences unfamiliar with its work. “I would guess that our traditional donor does not know the lyrics to ‘Thrift Shop,’” she commented, referencing Macklemore’s 2012 hit.
UNRWA USA’s Kronenfeld noted that the increase in donations reflects a growing base of support since the conflict escalated last year, with more than 203,000 new donors contributing over $117 million to date. “The contributions keep coming in because Americans care,” she said.
Ed Sheeran is expected to continue his tour on Saturday at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, though the absence of supporting acts changes the dynamic of his performances. While Sheeran often performs solo, earlier concerts featured guest artists joining him on select songs. How this will be managed going forward remains uncertain.