Macklemore challenges Kraft to match donation

After being removed from Ed Sheeran's tour, Macklemore challenged Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian organizations.

Kraft says Sheeran asked first

Kraft responded by saying Ed Sheeran had already called him asking him to commit $2 million to match Sheeran's own donation to aid Palestinians before Macklemore's challenge.

“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 emphasizes bridge-building work

In his statement, Kraft said he has spent decades supporting Palestinian opportunity and bringing young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses and forge relationships.

“I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people.”

Macklemore removed after Gaza statements

Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour after performing at MetLife Stadium with pro-Palestine statements and his song Hind's Hall, which accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Macklemore names six organizations for donation

Macklemore said his $1 million, representing his net earnings from the tour, would go to Palestine Children's Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA, and Anera.

Kraft accused of pressuring venues

Macklemore alleged that Kraft threatened to cancel Sheeran's Gillette Stadium shows unless he was removed, and rallied other stadium owners to do the same.

Other tour openers exit in solidarity

Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Lukas Graham all dropped out of Sheeran's remaining tour dates and posted statements supporting Macklemore's pro-Palestine stance.