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US Stadium Owner Claims Ed Sheeran Asked Him to Match $2m Donation
US stadium owner Robert Kraft says Ed Sheeran requested $2m to match his pro-Palestine donation amid tour controversy.
In brief
US stadium owner Robert Kraft says Ed Sheeran requested $2m to match his pro-Palestine donation amid tour controversy. Ed Sheeran's US stadium owner Robert Kraft claims the singer asked him to match a $2m donation to aid the region during a pro-Palestine crisis. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Tour Controversy
US stadium owner Robert Kraft claims Ed Sheeran asked him to match a $2 million donation to the region amid pro-Palestine tour crisis.
Macklemore's Removal
Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour after delivering a politically motivated speech supporting Palestine at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.
Kraft's Statement
Kraft, CEO of the Kraft Group that owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, issued a statement saying Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid the region.
Kraft's Humanitarian Focus
Kraft stated he has supported efforts creating opportunities for Palestinians and Israelis to build businesses and forge relationships for decades.
Sheeran's Position
Sheeran emphasized he would never publicly take political stances but has personal views on the conflict, stating his audience includes young people.
Macklemore's Past Controversy
Macklemore previously wore a costume resembling an anti-Semitic caricature of a Jewish man in 2014, which he apologized for being unaware of.
Greta Thunberg's Support
Greta Thunberg, a pro-Palestine activist detained twice after traveling on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, publicly backed Sheeran's tour cancellation.
Radio Station Action
Classic Hits Radio announced it would remove Sheeran's music from its playlist for the foreseeable future, stating it was not a personal judgment.
Other Artists' Responses
Artists including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga withdrew from Sheeran's tour, stating they would not support silence on pro-Palestine advocacy.
Macklemore's Tour
Macklemore revealed his upcoming Free Palestine tour sold out immediately after being axed from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Sheeran's Clarification
Sheeran clarified he does not use his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people who expect non-political content.
Kraft's Donation Match
Kraft confirmed Sheeran asked him to match his $2 million donation to aid the region during the humanitarian crisis.
Kraft's Stance
Kraft stated he has supported efforts creating opportunities for Palestinians and Israelis to build businesses and forge relationships for decades.
Macklemore's Controversial Costume
Macklemore's 2014 costume resembling an anti-Semitic caricature of a Jewish man was criticized, and he apologized for being unaware of the resemblance.
Greta Thunberg's Statement
Greta Thunberg criticized Sheeran for 'both sides' on Israel's genocide against Palestinians, stating the Palestinian people are the only victims.
Radio Station's Reason
Classic Hits Radio stated it removed Sheeran's music from its playlist to stand with Irish artists who made a professional decision based on their convictions.
The takeaway
Ed Sheeran's US stadium owner Robert Kraft claims the singer asked him to match a $2m donation to aid the region during a pro-Palestine crisis.
