New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pledged $2 million to Palestinian relief efforts after pop star Ed Sheeran asked him to match a donation amid a touring controversy, according to statements released by Kraft and reported by outlets including CNBC and TheWrap. The development follows the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran’s tour after pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
The Donation Request and Robert Kraft’s Response
Ed Sheeran personally contacted Robert Kraft to ask for a $2 million commitment to fight the humanitarian crisis in the region, according to a statement issued Thursday by Kraft and detailed by CNBC. Kraft agreed to the match after Macklemore publicly challenged the billionaire to match a $1 million donation the rapper pledged to Palestinian relief organizations.
“Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis,” Kraft said in his statement, which was shared on Gillette Stadium’s official X account as cited by TheWrap. Kraft added that Sheeran plans to reach out to other venue owners to encourage additional donations.
Tour Dispute and Macklemore’s Removal
The fundraising exchange stems from a dispute over Macklemore’s participation in Sheeran’s U.S. tour. According to CNBC, Macklemore was removed from remaining U.S. dates following pro-Palestinian remarks made during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier in the month.
https://x.com/GilletteStadium/status/2100337429886427309
In an Instagram post cited by CNBC and TheWrap, Macklemore stated that Sheeran told him Kraft would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium, a venue owned by the Kraft Group. Macklemore alleged that Kraft rallied other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum requiring the rapper’s removal from the tour or Sheeran would be barred from playing their venues.
Addressing the criticism of his remarks, Macklemore wrote that “antisemitism is real,” but maintained that criticism of Israel and calls to “Free Palestine” should not be conflated with hatred of Jewish people, according to CNBC.
Did you know?
Ed Sheeran’s worldwide Loop Tour kicked off in New Zealand and Australia in January, with its North American leg beginning in June and scheduled to run through Nov. 7, according to reporting by CNBC.
Support Acts Withdraw From the Tour
The controversy widened when all four of Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts announced their withdrawal from the tour via Instagram, according to CNBC and TheWrap. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, the Irish band Beoga, and the Danish band Lukas Graham pulled out of upcoming performances.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote in an Instagram post cited by CNBC. Remaining openers and the house band cited opposition to what they termed “Israeli genocide” and criticized efforts to silence artists, according to TheWrap’s coverage.
Sheeran maintained in statements reported by TheWrap that the decision to drop Macklemore came from promoters rather than himself, adding that he remained publicly neutral on the military conflict to protect the jobs of his touring crew, musicians, and supporting acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pledged money for Palestinian relief?
Robert Kraft pledged $2 million to match a $2 million commitment by Ed Sheeran, while rapper Macklemore pledged $1 million of his tour salary to related causes, according to CNBC and TheWrap.
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was dropped from the tour following pro-Palestinian remarks made on stage during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to CNBC.
Which supporting acts withdrew from the tour?
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham all withdrew from Sheeran’s tour following the dispute, according to CNBC and TheWrap.
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