Macklemore is turning his fallout with Ed Sheeran‘s tour into a $1 million donation for Palestinian aid.
The American rapper announced that he will give away his entire net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians after Sheeran removed him from the tour’s U.S. dates.
Macklemore made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday, days after he faced backlash over pro-Palestinian comments during his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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.
He also challenged Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, to match the donation.
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.
The challenge quickly produced another major development.
Kraft said Ed Sheeran had already called him and asked him to commit $2 million toward humanitarian aid in the region. Kraft said he would make the $2 million contribution.
I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.
Sheeran will also contribute $2 million, according to Kraft’s statement, bringing the combined pledges from Macklemore, Sheeran and Kraft to $5 million. The money will support organisations providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
The donation comes after Macklemore lost his place on Sheeran’s tour following his comments in support of Palestine. Sheeran’s other opening acts, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga, subsequently withdrew from the tour.
The dispute began after Macklemore called for a “free Palestine” during his September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium.
Kraft has accused Macklemore of having a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, allegations Macklemore has denied. Kraft also said he remains open to a conversation with the rapper.
For now, the latest development has shifted the story from a tour controversy to a multimillion-dollar humanitarian pledge, with Macklemore putting his own tour earnings behind his position.