From Malay Mail · · 1m 50s
Macklemore donates $1m after Gaza comments row
The rapper gives his entire tour earnings to Palestinian charities after being dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
In brief
The rapper gives his entire tour earnings to Palestinian charities after being dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. Macklemore donated his full $1 million net earnings from the tour to Palestinian support organizations after his removal sparked a cascade of other acts withdrawing. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Macklemore drops $1m on Gaza support
The rapper donated his entire net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six Palestinian charities after being removed as a supporting act over his Gaza comments.
“Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.”
Kraft pressured Sheeran to remove him
Macklemore claimed Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, contacted Sheeran and said they couldn't play unless the rapper was removed from the tour.
Other acts withdraw in solidarity
Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Lukas Graham, and backing band Beoga all dropped out of the remaining Loop Tour dates following Macklemore's removal.
Macklemore calls for political change
The rapper said aid alone cannot address Gaza's conditions and that the situation requires immediate political change, not just humanitarian assistance.
“Aid alone cannot address the conditions that make it necessary. This is a manmade injustice and I believe it requires immediate political change.”
Six organizations receive the donation
Macklemore gave the million dollars to Palestine Children's Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA, and American Near East Refugee Aid.
Kraft cites anti-Semitic rhetoric
Robert Kraft said he banned Macklemore due to a broader history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery he believes has been deeply offensive to the Jewish community.
Sheeran says it was promoter's call
Ed Sheeran clarified that Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision, not his, and that he respects Macklemore as an artist despite their differing views.
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict.”
Tour continues with 17 dates left
Sheeran's next performance is September 19 in Philadelphia, with 17 dates remaining across North and South America through December 11 in Mexico City.
At a glance
Macklemore donated his full $1 million net earnings from the tour to Palestinian support organizations after his removal sparked a cascade of other acts withdrawing.
