Macklemore donates $1m in Ed Sheeran tour earnings to Palestinian groups, Robert Kraft issues statement

Robert Kraft has responded to Macklemore’s pledge to donate $1 million from his Ed Sheeran tour earnings to Palestinian causes as the fallout from the rapper’s axing continues.

Macklemore, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, announced his donation pledge after he was removed from the Loop tour for saying “Free Palestine” during a September 5 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The US rapper also called on Robert Kraft to match his contribution after the New England Patriots and Gilette Stadium owner confirmed Macklemore was dropped due to his on-stage comments “and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric.”

“I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people. And I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation,” Macklemore wrote on Instagram.

“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.”

Kraft responded to Macklemore’s challenge in a statement on Thursday, saying he and Ed Sheeran would each commit $2 million to humanitarian aid in the war-stricken region.

“I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe I deeply that all lives are worth protecting,” Kraft said in a statement posted on Gillette Stadium’s X account.

“Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis.

“Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.

“In addition, I’d like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestine people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts to create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs and forge relationships.”

Unlike Macklemore, Kraft has not disclosed what organisations the donation will be made to.

The donation exchange comes as the latest development in the tour dispute after Sheeran said Macklemore had been forced out by promoters and venues, rather than it being a decision made by the singer himself.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram in his first public statement on the controversy.

“Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”

“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

The Shape of You singer said he would refrain from publicly sharing his “personal views on this devastating conflict”.

“I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change,” Sheeran added.

“Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome.”

“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds.

“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.

“I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.

“I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”

The US tour was thrown into further turmoil on Wednesday when four musicians announced they were pulling out in protest over the removal of Macklemore as a supporting act.

Irish performers Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish group Lukas Graham and US musician Finneas all released separate statements saying they were no longer taking part in Sheeran’s tour as they stand in solidarity with Macklemore.

Pink inserted herself in the drama after she re-shared a post online from advocacy group StopAntisemitism that criticised Macklemore’s mid-performance message about Palestine.

The US singer, born Alecia Moore, later released a lengthy statement to address widespread condemnation she received over the re-shared post.

“I was born a Jew. I didn’t pick it, and I’ve never hidden it,” she added.

“And this week a whole lot of people decided what I believe without asking me, without checking a single thing I’ve ever said or done, because a repost and the word “Jew” were apparently enough to fill in the rest. But let me fill it in... myself.

“Of course I don’t speak for Israel, or for any government. I never have. What I said in October 2023 is still exactly what I believe: Hamas is a terrorist organisation.

“Palestinians deserve a future that honours their humanity and their aspirations. Protecting innocent life comes first, everywhere, and nobody should ever celebrate the death of a child.”

The singer cited a previous on-stage controversy by Macklemore as part of the reason his message during Sheeran’s concert did not sit right with her.

“I was in the room at the Grammys in 2014 when Macklemore rapped Same Love and thirty-three couples, gay and straight, got married to it, and I cheered, no questions asked,” Pink continued.

“Four months later Macklemore put on a hooked nose, a black beard and a bowl cut, performed in it, and called it a “random costume.” Every Jew I know knew exactly what it was.

“The same love, it turned out, had a guest list, and we weren’t on it. But he apologised, and I let it go, because that’s what we do. “

Macklemore later insisted it was a “random costume” that he wore at the event and it was not his “idea of a stereotype of anybody.”