Macklemore announced on Wednesday that he will donate all of his net income amounting to one million dollars from the Ed Sheeran tour to Palestinian relief organizations. This action comes after his removal from the tour due to his comments about Palestine.
Macklemore's Invitation to Robert Kraft
Macklemore also invited Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots football team, to join this initiative and increase his contribution to two million dollars. Kraft quickly issued a statement saying that Ed Sheeran had asked him to increase his donations to humanitarian relief organizations in the region.
These statements come as a major controversy has arisen following Macklemore's removal from the tour, with all artists supporting Ed Sheeran withdrawing from the tour. Ed Sheeran is set to perform this weekend in Philadelphia.
How the Controversy Started
It is worth noting that earlier this month, Macklemore performed as the opening artist for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and made comments about Palestine. He also performed his protest song titled "Hands Up," written in memory of a five-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces.
This song was created following pro-Palestinian protests at American universities in 2024. The Israeli military confirmed in August that its forces opened fire on the vehicle carrying Hind and her family and stated that a criminal investigation has been initiated regarding the incident.
Macklemore said on stage: "A big part of why I wanted to do this tour is so I could stand in stadiums like this and say two words that mean a lot to me: 'Free Palestine.'" His comments were heavily criticized by pro-Israel groups, and the Israeli-American Council initiated a request to remove this artist from the tour.
Ed Sheeran and Other Artists' Reactions
Macklemore was supposed to perform in eight remaining shows of Ed Sheeran's ten-show tour, with Philadelphia being the next stop. Following that, performances are scheduled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on September 25 and 26.
In a lengthy social media post, Macklemore stated: "Ed Sheeran and his team have decided to remove me from the loop tour." He mentioned that he had difficult conversations with Ed Sheeran and considers him a "brother."
Macklemore also said that Sheeran explained to him that Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, does not want Macklemore to perform at this stadium. Sheeran also informed Macklemore that Kraft had asked other stadium owners to give him an ultimatum: "If Macklemore stays on the tour, you cannot perform at our venues."
Macklemore acknowledged that Sheeran is in a difficult position. The organizing group, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that Macklemore will not perform on the remaining dates of the tour due to several venues not allowing his continued participation in the concerts.
Kraft's Statement
Kraft stated in a media statement that Gillette Stadium is responsible for creating a pleasant environment for all guests present at events. He added: "Based on Macklemore's recent actions, the comments made on stage during Ed Sheeran's performances in New Jersey, and a long history of statements and images that we believe are deeply offensive and harmful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the concerts on September 25 and 26 at Gillette Stadium would cross this line."
