# Kraft's $2M pledge amid Macklemore tour removal row > New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pledges $2 million in humanitarian aid after rapper Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestinian remarks. - Title: Kraft's $2M pledge amid Macklemore tour removal row · Newsweek - Summary: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pledges $2 million in humanitarian aid after rapper Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestinian… - Keywords: robert kraft, macklemore, ed sheeran, loop tour, new england patriots, gillette stadium, pro-palestinian advocacy, free palestine, humanitarian aid, israel-palestine conflict, concert controversy, artist removal - Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/robert-kraft-ed-sheeran-controversy-macklemore-tour-12450859 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: robert kraft, macklemore, ed sheeran, loop tour, new england patriots, gillette stadium, pro-palestinian advocacy, free palestine, humanitarian aid, israel-palestine conflict, concert controversy, artist removal ## Kraft pledges $2M after tour backlash New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced a $2 million donation to address what he called a humanitarian crisis in the region, following controversy over Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. ## Macklemore made pro-Palestinian statements At Ed Sheeran shows in New Jersey, Macklemore said "Free Palestine" and displayed Gaza images while performing his 2024 protest song "Hind's Hall" about pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University. > "Free Palestine" ## Kraft cited antisemitic rhetoric Kraft said Macklemore's actions and material shared during performances, combined with a history of antisemitic rhetoric, crossed a line and warranted removal from Gillette Stadium shows on September 25 and 26. > "Based on Macklemore's recent actions... we determined that his participation... would cross that line." ## Macklemore matched with $1M donation Macklemore announced he would donate his entire $1 million net earnings from the tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians, and invited Kraft to match the contribution. > "Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than another life on this earth." ## Kraft accepted the matching challenge Kraft said Ed Sheeran called him asking for a $2 million commitment to match Macklemore's donation, and Kraft agreed to the pledge. > "Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million." ## Kraft's donation lacks specifics Kraft did not identify the intended recipients of his $2 million or specify whether it would support Palestinians, Gaza residents, or other affected communities in the region. ## Kraft highlighted decades of Palestinian support Kraft wrote that he has supported efforts creating opportunities for Palestinians for decades and brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses and forge relationships. > "I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships." ## Sheeran said venue operators made the call Ed Sheeran stated that venue operators, not him, informed the tour that they would cancel remaining shows if Macklemore continued as a supporting act. > "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me." ## Sheeran opposed the war's suffering Sheeran said he respects Macklemore as an artist and opposes the suffering caused by the Gaza conflict, describing it as a human tragedy. ## Lukas Graham withdrew in protest Danish band Lukas Graham left the tour, stating that money should not determine who gets to speak or which suffering people are allowed to acknowledge. > "Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation." ## BEOGA and Finneas also quit Irish folk group BEOGA and Grammy-winning producer Finneas withdrew from tour dates, with Finneas stating that artists must not be silenced for speaking on behalf of oppressed people. > "Artists must not be silenced for speaking on behalf of oppressed people." ## Aaron Rowe cited Irish history Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe withdrew as a support act, saying his Irish heritage and knowledge of genocide and occupation compelled him to stand with Palestine. > "As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violence occupation." ## Kraft is a prominent pro-Israel voice Kraft has long been one of the most prominent pro-Israel voices in American business and sports, publicly supporting Israel through philanthropy, education programs, and advocacy initiatives. ## Kraft became more outspoken after October 7 Following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Kraft became increasingly vocal against what he viewed as growing hostility toward Israel on college campuses and social media. ## Kraft founded antisemitism combat group Through the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, launched in 2019 with a $20 million initial investment, Kraft has funded public-service campaigns and educational initiatives addressing antisemitic rhetoric and hate speech. ## Kraft received the Genesis Prize Kraft's advocacy for Israel helped him receive the 2019 Genesis Prize, sometimes called the Jewish Nobel Prize, recognizing his long-standing philanthropy tied to Jewish and Israeli organizations. ## Key takeaway A high-profile conflict over free speech at concerts has escalated into competing charitable pledges, with Kraft matching Macklemore's $1 million donation while defending the removal.