Macklemore removed from Sheeran tour

The Seattle rapper was forced off Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after performing at MetLife Stadium, where he shouted "Free Palestine" and shared images of Gaza destruction.

Kraft allegedly led pressure campaign

Macklemore claimed Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, told Ed Sheeran he couldn't perform at Gillette Stadium and rallied other stadium owners to present an ultimatum.

Macklemore pledges $1 million

The rapper announced he would donate his entire net earnings from the tour, $1 million, to six Palestinian support organizations including the Palestine Children's Relief Fund and HEAL Palestine.

“Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.”

Macklemore challenges Kraft to match

In his statement, Macklemore directly invited Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation, framing it as common ground despite their disagreement.

“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting.”

Kraft commits $2 million instead

Hours later, Kraft responded by committing $2 million to aid the region, claiming Ed Sheeran had asked him to match Macklemore's donation before the rapper's challenge.

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

Kraft denies antisemitism allegations

Kraft justified removing Macklemore by citing the rapper's "recent actions" and "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" he said was offensive to the Jewish community.

Other artists exit in protest

Opening acts Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe dropped out of the North American leg in protest. Finneas, Beoga, and other performers also withdrew from the tour.

Macklemore frames donation as solidarity

He emphasized that donating money is "one of the least costly forms of solidarity" and called for political change, saying Palestinians have lived without basic rights for decades.

“Aid alone cannot address the conditions that make it necessary.”