Ed Sheeran has requested that Robert Kraft match his $2 million donation for humanitarian aid

Ed Sheeran requests that Robert Kraft contribute $2 million toward humanitarian aid after Macklemore's exit from his US tour. Robert Kraft states that Ed Sheeran has requested his commitment of $2 million toward humanitarian aid after the removal of rapper Macklemore from the singer’s US tour. Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, made the announcement on Thursday, September 17, following Macklemore's declaration of his intention to donate $1 million from his tour earnings to Palestinian organizations. 

Sheeran reached out to Kraft prior to Macklemore's public challenge for him to match the rapper's intended donation. “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 the region in fighting this humanitarian crisis,” Kraft stated. Kraft did not confirm if he had accepted the request or if the $2 million had already been donated. He did not specify which organizations would receive the funds. 

Sheeran has yet to make any public statements regarding the reported $2 million donation or share specifics about any associated philanthropic initiatives. Macklemore announced on Wednesday that he would donate his $1 million in net earnings from Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six Palestinian organizations, stating that the move aimed to refocus attention on Palestinians. The announcement regarding the donation was made just days after Macklemore was taken off Sheeran’s remaining US tour dates due to comments he made about Israel and Palestine during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4. 

Kraft, who is Jewish, previously stated that Macklemore would not perform at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, referencing what he characterized as hate speech and a wider history of antisemitic rhetoric. Macklemore has refuted claims of antisemitism. The rapper was set to take the stage at eight of the upcoming dates on Sheeran’s US stadium tour. His removal led to several supporting acts, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, along with members of Sheeran’s touring band Beoga, deciding to withdraw from the tour. 

Sheeran stated that the tour’s promoters, not him, made the decision to remove Macklemore. He expressed his respect for Macklemore’s choice to address the conflict publicly while also emphasizing that his concerts should prioritize music. In his most recent statement, Kraft expressed his support for initiatives that create opportunities for Palestinians and foster collaboration between Palestinians and Israelis. “I have devoted a significant portion of my life to fostering connections among all individuals,” Kraft stated. 

“I hold a strong conviction that every life is valuable and deserves protection.” Kraft mentioned that Sheeran intends to reach out to additional venue owners as part of his efforts to aid humanitarian initiatives. “Ed now intends to connect with other venue owners, and our objective is to collaborate further to foster relationships,” he stated. The development comes after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s US tour following his remarks about Israel and Palestine during a performance at MetLife Stadium on September 4. Several other artists subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity.