# Kraft matches Sheeran's $2M pledge after Macklemore's challenge

> The Patriots owner commits to Palestinian aid after the rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour for his pro-Palestine statements.
- Title: Kraft matches Sheeran's $2M pledge after Macklemore's…
- Summary: The Patriots owner commits to Palestinian aid after the rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour for his pro-Palestine statements. Robert Kraft pledged $2…
- Keywords: robert kraft, macklemore, ed sheeran, loop tour, palestine, gillette stadium, donation, removal from tour, free palestine, humanitarian crisis, Kraft, matches
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/pro/robert-kraft-responds-macklemore-ed-sheeran-asked-donate
- Author: Chris Eggertsen
- Published: 2026-09-16T23:26:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: robert kraft, macklemore, ed sheeran, loop tour, palestine, gillette stadium, donation, removal from tour, free palestine, humanitarian crisis
## Macklemore challenges Kraft to match donation
After being removed from Ed Sheeran's tour, Macklemore challenged Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian organizations.
## Kraft says Sheeran asked first
Kraft responded by saying Ed Sheeran had already called him asking him to commit $2 million to match Sheeran's own donation to aid Palestinians before Macklemore's challenge.

> Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis.
## Kraft emphasizes bridge-building work
In his statement, Kraft said he has spent decades supporting Palestinian opportunity and bringing young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses and forge relationships.

> I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people.
## Macklemore removed after Gaza statements
Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour after performing at MetLife Stadium with pro-Palestine statements and his song Hind's Hall, which accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza.
## Macklemore names six organizations for donation
Macklemore said his $1 million, representing his net earnings from the tour, would go to Palestine Children's Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA, and Anera.
## Kraft accused of pressuring venues
Macklemore alleged that Kraft threatened to cancel Sheeran's Gillette Stadium shows unless he was removed, and rallied other stadium owners to do the same.
## Other tour openers exit in solidarity
Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Lukas Graham all dropped out of Sheeran's remaining tour dates and posted statements supporting Macklemore's pro-Palestine stance.
## Key takeaway

Robert Kraft pledged $2 million to Palestinian aid organizations, matching Ed Sheeran's donation, after Macklemore challenged him to do so.