# Kraft matches Sheeran's $2M Palestinian aid pledge

> After pressure over removing Macklemore from tour, Patriots owner commits major donation.
- Title: Kraft matches Sheeran's $2M Palestinian aid pledge | Shortify
- Summary: After pressure over removing Macklemore from tour, Patriots owner commits major donation. Kraft responded to backlash over censoring Macklemore by pledging…
- Keywords: robert kraft, macklemore, ed sheeran, the loop tour, palestine, gaza, new england patriots, gillette stadium, donation, free speech, censorship, Kraft
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robert-kraft-responds-macklemore-1-million-donation-match-1235628081
- Author: Charisma Madarang
- Published: 2026-09-16T23:05:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: robert kraft, macklemore, ed sheeran, the loop tour, palestine, gaza, new england patriots, gillette stadium, donation, free speech, censorship
## Macklemore challenges Kraft to donate
After Kraft pressured venues to remove him from Ed Sheeran's tour, the Seattle rapper challenged the Patriots owner to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian support groups.
## Kraft removes Macklemore from tour
The Patriots owner told venues he wouldn't allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper's recent pro-Palestine statements and what he called a history of antisemitic rhetoric.
## Macklemore's Gaza solidarity statement
At MetLife Stadium earlier in September, Macklemore shouted 'Free Palestine,' shared images of Gaza destruction, and expressed solidarity with Palestinians during Ed Sheeran's show.

> Free Palestine
## Kraft pledges $2 million donation
Kraft responded by committing $2 million to aid in the region, claiming Ed Sheeran asked him to match his donation before Macklemore's challenge.
## Kraft claims decades of bridge-building
The billionaire stated he has long supported efforts creating opportunity for Palestinians and bringing young Palestinians and Israelis together for business and relationships, though he provided no specifics.

> I've dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people.
## Sheeran plans to rally other venues
Kraft said Sheeran plans to reach out to other venue owners to continue working together on humanitarian aid and bridge-building in the region.
## Key takeaway

Kraft responded to backlash over censoring Macklemore by pledging $2 million to humanitarian aid in the region, claiming decades of support for Palestinian-Israeli bridge-building efforts.