Macklemore to Donate $1 Million from Tour Earnings to Palestinian Organizations

Rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, announced he will donate the entire $1 million he earned from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to organizations supporting Palestinians. This announcement comes days after he was removed from the tour due to his support for Palestine. Macklemore made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday, stating that the funds would go to six groups working directly to support Palestinians. He also challenged Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, to match the donation after Kraft confirmed he had barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Macklemore wrote, "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." In response, Kraft stated that prior to Macklemore's challenge, Sheeran had asked him to commit $2 million in humanitarian aid to the region. Kraft indicated that Sheeran plans to approach other venue owners to raise additional funds. Kraft expressed his belief that all lives are worth protecting but cited concerns over Macklemore’s history of “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” as part of his reasoning for the ban. Macklemore's removal from the tour has led to all supporting acts for Sheeran’s upcoming US Loop Tour pulling out in solidarity with him. Some of these artists, who are Irish, referenced their own country’s history of occupation in their decision to withdraw. Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was ultimately made by the tour promoter. In his latest statement, Macklemore emphasized that his focus is on the rights of Palestinians and the importance of continuing the conversation around their freedom, dignity, and safety. He acknowledged that donating money is a less risky form of solidarity compared to the work being done by those in Gaza and those organizing support for Palestinians. Macklemore concluded with a call for continued attention to the issue, stating, "When the news cycle moves on, which it will, don’t move with it. Free Palestine."