Macklemore Pledges $1 Million From Sheeran Tour to Palestinian Aid, Calls Out Robert Kraft

The fallout from Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour has moved from private booking dispute to public fundraising challenge. The rapper now says he will give $1 million of his net earnings from the tour to six Palestinian aid organizations, and he has directly invited New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft to match the amount.

Macklemore was dropped as an opener on the U.S. leg after calling for a free Palestine onstage. He has accused Kraft of pressuring Sheeran by threatening to pull the Gillette Stadium dates and encouraging other venue owners to do the same. The donation will be split among organizations including HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, American Near East Refugee Aid, Medical Aid for Palestinians, and the UNRWA U.S.A. National Committee. In a statement, Macklemore said, “Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting.”

Kraft responded by claiming Sheeran had earlier asked him to commit $2 million to match Sheeran’s own donation, adding that the goal is to “build bridges.” Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for both Kraft and Sheeran. Kraft had previously confirmed his role in removing Macklemore, citing what he called hurtful material and antisemitic rhetoric.

Since the removal, the remaining opening acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, along with Sheeran’s backing band Beoga, have all pulled out in solidarity. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel has also called on Sheeran to cancel the tour.