From Billboard · Hannah Dailey · · 2m
Macklemore donates $1M, challenges Kraft to match
After being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for Palestine activism, Macklemore gives his earnings to aid organizations and calls out the billionaire behind his removal.
In brief
After being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for Palestine activism, Macklemore gives his earnings to aid organizations and calls out the billionaire behind his removal. Macklemore turned his removal from a major tour into a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid groups, using his platform to escalate pressure on those…
Macklemore dropped from Sheeran tour
The rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after performing his protest song 'Hind's Hall' with Gaza imagery at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, calling for a free Palestine.
Kraft allegedly forced the decision
Macklemore claimed billionaire Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, threatened to cancel Loop shows there unless Sheeran dropped him, and pressured other venue owners to do the same.
All tour openers pull out in solidarity
Within hours of Sheeran saying he wouldn't abandon other acts, Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Lukas Graham all dropped out, each posting statements backing Macklemore's Palestine stance.
Macklemore donates $1 million
He pledged his entire net earnings from the Loop Tour to six Palestinian aid organizations: Palestine Children's Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA, and Anera.
“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 challenges Kraft to match it
Macklemore invited Kraft to donate the same amount, writing that Palestinian lives deserve protection and are no less valuable than any other life on earth.
“Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than another life on this earth.”
Kraft says he prevented hate speech
The billionaire defended his decision by saying he wanted to prevent Gillette from becoming a platform for hate speech, while acknowledging Palestinian suffering and calling for peace.
“Advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community.”
Gaza death toll exceeds 73,000
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 73,000 Palestinians had died in Israeli strikes as of July, with countless others facing hunger and homelessness from the ongoing conflict.
Sheeran says he didn't make the call
The British pop star confirmed he discussed the decision with Kraft and venue owners but emphasized that his promoter, Messina Touring Group, made the final call to remove Macklemore.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine.”
In short
Macklemore turned his removal from a major tour into a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid groups, using his platform to escalate pressure on those who opposed his activism.
