Macklemore donates $1M to Palestinian groups after Sheeran tour fallout
Macklemore has donated his entire net earnings from the Ed Sheeran tour, approximately $1 million, to six organizations supporting Palestinians. The rapper made this pledge after being removed from the tour following pro-Palestine remarks at MetLife Stadium. Robert Kraft, who pressured venue owners to drop Macklemore, responded by stating he had long supported Palestinian-Israeli cooperation, though he did not confirm matching the donation. All four opening acts for Sheeran’s tour withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, while Roger Waters criticized Sheeran for caving to pressure.
Key points
- Macklemore pledged $1 million to six Palestinian support groups, inviting Robert Kraft to match the amount.
- Robert Kraft stated he had supported Palestinian-Israeli business initiatives for decades but did not confirm a new donation.
- Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
- Roger Waters criticized Ed Sheeran for allowing venue owners to silence Macklemore.
- The tour continues in Philadelphia, with Sheeran stating the removal was the promoter’s decision.
Background
This controversy follows Macklemore’s September 4 speech at MetLife Stadium, where he shouted 'Free Palestine' and shared images of Gaza’s destruction. Promoters and venue owners, including Robert Kraft, objected, leading to his removal from the tour. Previous coverage noted that all opening acts withdrew in solidarity, and Sheeran defended his neutrality, stating the decision was not his.
How outlets are covering it
The Independent highlights Roger Waters’ criticism of Sheeran for caving to pressure. CNN focuses on the humanitarian donations, noting Kraft’s response and Ms. Rachel’s matching pledge. The Guardian details the mass withdrawal of opening acts and Sheeran’s statement that the removal was the promoter’s decision. Rolling Stone emphasizes Kraft’s defense of his long-standing support for Palestinian-Israeli cooperation, while noting the broad backlash from artists and politicians.
Why it matters
The incident highlights tensions between free speech, venue politics, and humanitarian aid in the entertainment industry. It also underscores the growing influence of political activism among artists and the impact of billionaire venue owners on tour logistics.
What to watch
The Ed Sheeran tour continues in Philadelphia, with tickets available. It remains unclear if Kraft will match Macklemore’s donation or if other venue owners will follow Sheeran’s call for humanitarian aid.
- Rock legend slams Ed Sheeran as US tour crumbles over Macklemore-Palestine controversy independent.co.uk
- Ed Sheeran stadium drama turns to donations and humanitarian cooperation CNN
- All supporting acts withdraw from Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore The Guardian
- Robert Kraft Responds to Macklemore's Invite to Match $1 Million to Palestinian Support Groups Rolling Stone
- Pink Explains Slamming Macklemore’s Pro-Palestine Performances, Acknowledges Heavy Backlash: ‘I’m Standing Up for My Own People, and I Thought I Knew How Lonely That Would Be. It’s Lonelier Than That’ Variety
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