American rapper Macklemore has announced he will donate the entire $1 million (€871,000) he earned from Ed Sheeran's recent tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians. The move comes days after he was removed from the tour lineup following on-stage remarks in support of Palestine.
In a social media post, Macklemore wrote: "I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people." He added: "And I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation. Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth."
The beneficiaries include the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee, and Anera. The announcement has intensified a controversy that has already seen several artists withdraw from Sheeran's tour in protest.
Kraft's response and the backdrop
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, was instrumental in having Macklemore removed from the tour. Kraft's venue refused to "provide a platform for hate speech," a decision that followed Macklemore's repeated pro-Palestinian statements. Kraft accused the Grammy-winning rapper of having "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric," a charge Macklemore denies.
In a statement, Kraft said he and Sheeran had each pledged $2 million (€1.7 million) "to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis," though he did not specify which organisations would receive the funds. "Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation," Kraft said. "Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."
Macklemore has rejected accusations of antisemitism, saying: "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality." He also expressed solidarity with people in Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, Sudan, and those in the US living in fear of ICE.
Tour unravels as artists quit
Sheeran has insisted that Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision, not his. In an Instagram statement, he said he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine" and described the suffering as a human tragedy. "I am not complicit," he added. "I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them."
Despite his efforts at damage control, the final leg of the tour is in crisis. Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Irish folk band Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, have all pulled out. Rowe said: "But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide."
Beoga stated they would no longer perform with Sheeran "following the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies," adding that "to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for Free Palestine is simply not an option for us." Finneas wrote: "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."
Massive Attack also weighed in, saying: "Entertainment can never be bigger than resisting the apartheid & genocide of fellow human beings. 'Neutrality' in the face of the slaughter of more than 20,000 children can never be neutrality." They added that "no artist should tolerate the censorship of another artist" and expressed solidarity with artists risking their careers.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about free speech and corporate pressure in the entertainment industry. As the tour crisis deepens, many are questioning the role of billionaires in silencing dissent. Some have called Sheeran's stance "morally bankrupt," while others argue that the episode reflects a chilling effect on artists who speak out on political issues.
Macklemore's challenge to Kraft has also drawn attention to the broader issue of wealth and philanthropy. A recent study suggested that taxing billionaires could offset aid cuts and save millions of lives, a point that resonates with those who see Kraft's pledge as a public relations move rather than a genuine commitment to humanitarian aid.
As the fallout continues, the question remains whether Sheeran can salvage his tour and his reputation. For now, the spotlight is on Kraft, who has yet to respond directly to Macklemore's challenge. The rapper's message is clear: "None of us will be free until we are all free."
