The fallout surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop’ tour has continued.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has responded after the rapper pledged $1 million to organisations supporting Palestinians. Macklemore announced on Wednesday that he would donate the full $1 million in net earnings he received from Sheeran’s tour to six organisations providing aid and support to Palestinians, while publicly inviting Kraft “to match” the contribution.
Hours later, Kraft revealed he had already spoken with Sheeran about making a donation of his own. “I’ve dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting,” Kraft said in a statement.
“Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.”
Kraft added that he had supported initiatives involving Palestinians and Israelis for decades, although his statement did not identify the specific programs.
This all comes after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s North American tour following criticism of his pro-Palestinian statements during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month. The rapper shouted “Free Palestine” during the set and displayed images of destruction in Gaza.
Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, subsequently confirmed Macklemore would not be permitted to perform at the venue, citing what he described as the rapper’s “recent actions, material shared from the stage” and a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery”.
Macklemore later alleged Kraft had encouraged other stadium owners to take a similar position. Kraft has not publicly addressed that specific allegation.
As previously reported, the dispute soon spread beyond Macklemore, with Sheeran’s remaining support acts withdrawing from upcoming dates. Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe pulled out of the North American leg, while Irish band Beoga also withdrew. Finneas, who had been scheduled to join Sheeran for shows in South America, announced he would no longer appear.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
The controversy has also drawn responses from artists including Massive Attack and Roger Waters, both of whom criticised Sheeran over the handling of Macklemore’s removal. Other public figures and musicians, including Kehlani and Rachel Chinouriri, have expressed support for Macklemore.
Sheeran previously said he had spent days attempting to “build bridges” and find a solution to the dispute but had been unable to do so. His ‘Loop’ tour is currently scheduled to continue with a show in Philadelphia on September 19th.
