Macklemore Donates $1 Million to Palestinian Humanitarian Aid
Macklemore has pledged to donate the $1 million he earned from opening for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour to organizations that offer humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. This decision has elicited a response from Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.
On Monday, the 43-year-old rapper was let go from Sheeran’s “Loop Tour” after he voiced support for a “Free Palestine” and performed his anti-Israel song “Hind’s Hall” during his opening act at MetLife Stadium, which took place on September 4 and 5.
Macklemore claimed that Kraft, aged 85, pressured Sheeran into removing him from the tour. He alleged that Kraft told Sheeran he would not be permitted to perform at Gillette Stadium unless Macklemore was dropped and that he urged other stadium owners to do the same. Kraft later stated that he opposed Macklemore’s involvement at Gillette because of what he referred to as the rapper’s history of antisemitic comments.
Ed Sheeran Says Decision Was Not His Own
Sheeran, who is 35, has maintained that the choice to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoters and venue owners, not by him directly.
In an Instagram message posted on Wednesday, Macklemore detailed his plans to donate his earnings from the “Loop Tour” to six organizations, including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee, and American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA).
“In light of the events over the last 48 hours, I want to refocus the conversation to where it truly belongs: the Palestinian people who continue to suffer, live under military occupation, and fight for their freedom,” he expressed.
“I am donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organizations supporting the Palestinian people,” he continued. Macklemore also invited Kraft to match his donation, emphasizing that, despite their differences, they could both agree that Palestinian lives are valuable. “A Palestinian life is no less important than any other life on this earth,” he stated.
He pointed out the urgent needs of parents who take their children to hospitals lacking basic resources and the commitment of those helping to provide support in challenging conditions. “I want to focus on the activists who have truly risked a lot for standing with Palestine,” he added. “Their sacrifices exceed mine in many ways.”
Macklemore’s Commitment to Palestinian Freedom
Macklemore remarked that “writing a check is one of the least costly forms of solidarity.” He clarified, “I am doing this because I can, and these organizations are actively making a difference while a lot of the world debates the issues.” He emphasized that Palestinians have lived without fundamental rights for decades and shouldn’t have to wait any longer for freedom. “That is where my attention will remain. I will continue to support the Palestinian fight for liberation,” he affirmed.
Kraft Responds and Offers to Match Donation
Shortly after Macklemore made his challenge, Kraft revealed that Sheeran had already approached him about contributing $2 million to match his own donation towards humanitarian relief for the region.
Kraft stated, “I have dedicated most of my life to fostering connections among all people. I believe strongly that all lives merit protection. Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me, Ed called and requested my commitment of $2 million for aid in the region and to address this humanitarian crisis.”
He expressed hope that they could work collaboratively to reinforce unity and mentioned his longstanding support for initiatives that promote opportunities for Palestinians and efforts to connect young Palestinians and Israelis through business and job creation.
Macklemore was initially slated to perform at eight more tour dates following his two shows at MetLife Stadium. His removal sparked other supporting acts, like Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga, to withdraw from the tour in solidarity with him.
