From Rolling Stone · CT Jones · · 1m 30s
Ms. Rachel Matches Macklemore's $1M Palestinian Aid Donation
Children's entertainer Rachel Accurso pledges $1 million to match Macklemore's donation after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestinian statements.
In brief
Children's entertainer Rachel Accurso pledges $1 million to match Macklemore's donation after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestinian statements. Ms. Rachel publicly matched Macklemore's $1 million donation to Palestinian relief organizations and called on other wealthy celebrities to do the same…
Macklemore removed from tour for Gaza statements
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after shouting 'Free Palestine' at MetLife Stadium and speaking about Gaza's devastation. He was scheduled for eight more shows.
“Free Palestine”
Macklemore pledges $1 million to Palestinian relief
Macklemore announced a $1 million donation split among six Palestinian aid organizations including the Palestine Children's Relief Fund and Gaza Soup Kitchen.
“Palestinian lives are worth protecting”
Ms. Rachel matches the $1 million donation
Children's entertainer Rachel Accurso pledged $1 million to match Macklemore's donation and called on other wealthy celebrities to do the same.
“I will match Macklemore's donation and I invite every wealthy white celebrity to match it”
Sheeran pressured by stadium owners
Ed Sheeran said he was forced to choose between removing Macklemore or canceling the entire tour after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured venue owners.
“I was forced to choose between removing Macklemore or having the rest of the tour canceled”
Tour acts drop out in solidarity
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Beoga, and Aaron Rowe all left Sheeran's tour citing concerns about artist suppression and their support for Palestinian freedom.
Sheeran explains his apolitical stance
Sheeran said he doesn't use his platform for politics because his audience includes young children of all backgrounds who don't expect a political forum.
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics”
The takeaway
Ms. Rachel publicly matched Macklemore's $1 million donation to Palestinian relief organizations and called on other wealthy celebrities to do the same.
