Macklemore said Wednesday that he will donate $1 million — the entirety of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s tour — to organizations providing aid to Palestinians, while calling on New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to make a contribution of his own. The rapper, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, said on Instagram that he wanted to “bring the conversation back where it belongs” following controversy over his removal from Sheeran’s tour after making Pro-Palestinian remarks onstage.
“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protection,” Macklemore wrote. “A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any life on this earth.”
Kraft responded shortly afterward, saying Sheeran had contacted him before Macklemore issued his public “challenge” and asked him to commit $2 million to match Sheeran’s own $2 million contribution toward humanitarian aid in “the region.” His statement did not identify which organizations would receive the money.
Kraft also said he had spent much of his life trying to foster connections among different groups and added, “I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.”
“Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners, and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges,” Kraft wrote.
The exchange came two days after Macklemore announced Monday that he had been dropped from Sheeran’s tour, saying venue owners had threatened to cancel shows if he remained part of the lineup.
Four other opening acts — Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Irish band Beoga — subsequently stepped down from the tour. Finneas had been scheduled for six South American dates later in the year, while the others were part of the tour’s support lineup.
Industry experts who spoke with The Associated Press said it is unusual for supporting acts to significantly affect the operation or future of a major tour.
The controversy began during Macklemore’s appearances earlier this month at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he spoke about his support for Palestinians before performing “Hind’s Hall,” a protest anthem he released in 2024.
Video later posted by Macklemore showed him telling the crowd that part of the reason he wanted to join the tour was the opportunity to perform in stadiums and say “Free Palestine.”
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. This message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.”
Macklemore’s use of the term “genocide” echoes conclusions reached by a growing number of human rights organizations and experts. A United Nations independent commission of inquiry concluded in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, finding that Israeli authorities and security forces had carried out four of the five acts defined as genocidal under the Genocide Convention.
Amnesty International, the Israeli human rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, and the International Association of Genocide Scholars have also concluded that Israel’s conduct meets the definition of genocide, while Human Rights Watch has documented what it describes as acts of genocide. Israel has rejected accusations that it is committing genocide.
Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was among the venue owners who objected to Macklemore remaining on the tour. Macklemore alleged that Kraft had “rallied” other stadium owners and that Sheeran told him the venues would refuse to host the tour if he remained on the lineup.
Sheeran confirmed Tuesday that Kraft was among the venue representatives who had raised concerns about Macklemore’s performance. In a statement to NBC News, Kraft did not deny Macklemore’s allegation.
Sheeran said he had spent the week speaking with venue owners in an effort to find a resolution but maintained that removing Macklemore was “the promoter’s decision; it was not mine.”
His Loop Tour is promoted by Messina Touring Group. Music industry experts told the AP that promoters generally finance tours, pay performers, sell tickets and negotiate with venues, giving them substantial control over tour operations.
Venue owners generally stay out of those decisions but can still refuse performers access to their properties. At the same time, experts said superstar artists capable of filling stadiums typically wield considerable influence over productions bearing their names. Entertainment lawyer Dean Sheldon Serwin told the AP that a headliner at Sheeran’s level would generally have approval over major aspects of a tour, though decisions still involve negotiation among artists, promoters and venues.
Sheeran said he was unwilling to cancel the remaining dates because doing so would affect fans who had already made plans as well as touring staff, musicians and support acts who depended on the shows for work.
Kraft said Monday that his position was not intended to suppress advocacy for Palestinians or diminish Palestinian suffering. He said his objection stemmed from Macklemore’s remarks at the New Jersey shows as well as “a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”
“Much of my time and attention for the last decade has been focused on the fight against antisemitism and hate of all kinds, and I feel a responsibility to stand up when I believe that line has been crossed.”
Kraft claimed he has also spent decades supporting efforts to create opportunities for Palestinians and bring young Palestinians and Israelis together to start businesses, create jobs and build relationships.
“Standing with the Palestinian people and standing against Hamas, antisemitism and hate should not be mutually exclusive.”
Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium performance also drew criticism from fellow musician Pink, who is Jewish. Pink issued a statement Friday after reposting a social media post critical of the performance.
Pink said she was not trying to get another artist fired or prevent anyone from voicing their views. She instead objected to Macklemore displaying what she described as “violent images” of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in a stadium filled with families and then telling Jewish members of the audience that “it wasn’t about them.”
She also pointed to a 2014 incident in which Macklemore wore a costume that was criticized for invoking antisemitic stereotypes. Macklemore said at the time that he had intended to disguise himself so he could interact with fans without being recognized.
Macklemore later apologized and said he had been in contact with the Anti-Defamation League, an organization founded to combat antisemitism.
The ADL accepted the apology at the time and said it took Macklemore “at his word that he did not have any ill intent,” according to The Guardian.
The decision to drop Macklemore also prompted public criticism of Sheeran and Kraft. “Hacks” actor Hannah Einbinder, children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel and “Wicked” actor Marissa Bode were among those who criticized Sheeran’s handling of the dispute on social media. Sen. Bernie Sanders separately criticized Kraft’s role, arguing that stadium owners should not be able to use control of venues to restrict artists’ political speech.
The $1 million will be divided among 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 described financial donations as among the least costly forms of solidarity and said his focus would remain on Palestinians and their right to freedom, dignity and safety.
That, he wrote, is “what this has always been about.”
“When the news cycle moves on, which it will, don’t move with it,” Macklemore wrote. “Free Palestine.”
Moumita Basuroychowdhury is a Contributing Reporter at The National Digest. After earning an economics degree at Cornell University, she moved to NYC to pursue her MFA in creative writing. She enjoys reporting on science, business and culture news. You can reach her at moumita.b@thenationaldigest.com.
