Macklemore Donates $1 Million to Palestinian Aid Organizations Following Tour Controversy

<p>Macklemore announced that he is donating the $1 million he earned opening for Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour to organizations providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians. This decision follows his removal from Sheeran's "Loop Tour" after he called for a "Free Palestine" and performed his song "Hind’s Hall" at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 4 and 5.</p><p>Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran to remove him from the tour by stating that he would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium and by rallying other stadium owners to issue a similar ultimatum. Kraft later confirmed his opposition to Macklemore's participation at Gillette, citing what he described as the rapper's "history of antisemitic rhetoric."</p><p>Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and venue owners, not by him personally.</p><p>In an Instagram post on September 17, Macklemore shared his plans to donate his paycheck from the "Loop Tour" to six organizations, including the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee, and American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA).</p><p>Macklemore stated, "With everything that has happened over the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom." He added, "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," and invited Kraft to match his donation.</p><p>Macklemore emphasized the importance of focusing on those affected by the humanitarian crisis, stating, "I want to center the parents carrying their children into hospitals without the basic resources to treat them, and the physicians, paramedics, journalists and aid workers who keep going back in." He noted that "writing a check is one of the least costly forms of solidarity to me" and expressed his commitment to standing with the Palestinian people.</p><p>Kraft responded to Macklemore's challenge by stating that Sheeran had already asked him to commit $2 million to match his own donation toward humanitarian relief in the region. Kraft wrote in a statement shared on Gillette Stadium's social media pages, "I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting."</p><p>Kraft also mentioned that Ed Sheeran plans to reach out to other venue owners to work together on building bridges and supporting humanitarian efforts. He stated, "For decades, 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."</p><p>Macklemore was originally scheduled to open at eight of Sheeran's upcoming tour dates following his two performances at MetLife Stadium. His removal led to several supporting acts, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga, withdrawing from the tour in solidarity.</p>