Macklemore donates $1m from Ed Sheeran tour earnings to Palestinian aid, calls Kraft to do the same

Macklemore also insisted that the conversation be directed back to the Palestinians and their suffering

Macklemore has pledged to donate $1 million in net earnings from his time on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to organisations supporting Palestinians, while challenging Robert Kraft to match his contribution.

The rapper announced the donation after being removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour following his outspoken support for Palestine during his opening performances. Macklemore said the money will be distributed among six organisations providing support to Palestinians.

In his note on Instagram, Macklemore insisted that the conversation be directed back to the Palestinians and their suffering. 

 

 

 

 

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Macklemore also directed a challenge at Kraft, the New England Patriots owner who confirmed that he opposed the rapper performing at Gillette Stadium. Kraft has said his decision was based on what he described as Macklemore’s recent actions and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. He also said the decision was not intended to diminish Palestinian suffering or deny people the right to advocate for Palestinians.

The donation comes after Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of the Loop Tour. The rapper had performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, where he called for a free Palestine and performed his protest song Hind’s Hall. Venues subsequently told tour promoter Messina Touring Group they would not host shows with Macklemore on the lineup.

Macklemore has previously said that he and Sheeran had difficult conversations over his political stance. Sheeran has since clarified that removing Macklemore was not his decision, saying the promoter and venues ultimately made the call after some venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.

In announcing the donation, Macklemore shifted the focus away from the dispute over the tour and towards Palestinians affected by the conflict. He has repeatedly argued that the controversy should not overshadow the situation facing Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The donation adds another development to the growing fallout surrounding Macklemore’s departure from the tour, which has also prompted other scheduled opening acts to withdraw from Sheeran’s remaining shows.