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Ed Sheeran Sought $2M Aid Donation From Robert Kraft After Macklemore Tour Removal
ReEd Sheeran Sought $2M Aid Donation From Robert Kraft After Macklemore Tour Removal
Ed Sheeran asked Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match a $2 million humanitarian aid commitment after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's U.S. tour over pro-Palestine comments, prompting a public dispute and solidarity dropouts from other supporting acts.
Ed Sheeran asked New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to contribute $2 million to humanitarian aid in the region after rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's U.S. tour over pro-Palestine remarks, according to a statement from Kraft. The request came as Macklemore challenged Kraft to match a $1 million donation of his own net earnings from the Loop Tour to organizations supporting Palestinians.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, said in an Instagram post Wednesday that he would direct $1 million in net earnings from the tour to six organizations aiding Palestinians and invited Kraft to match it. Kraft responded later that day, saying Sheeran had already asked him to match the singer's own $2 million commitment to humanitarian aid in the region «to fight this humanitarian crisis.»
The dispute traces back to two September opening performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore repeatedly said «Free Palestine» and criticized Israel's conduct in Gaza. Advocacy groups criticized the remarks, and the Israeli American Council called for his removal from the tour. Macklemore has said his criticism of Israel should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.
In a Monday Instagram post, Macklemore said Sheeran told him personally that Kraft had barred him from Gillette Stadium following the MetLife shows and had rallied other stadium owners to take the same position. Kraft later confirmed he would not allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette, citing Macklemore's recent actions and what Kraft described as «a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery» that he said «has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.»
Messina Touring Group, which is promoting the tour, confirmed in statements to multiple outlets that several venues said having Macklemore in the lineup was a red line, and the promoter removed him from remaining U.S. tour dates. Messina Touring Group has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Macklemore wrote Monday that taking a side can cost money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access, adding that he has lost all of those things. «But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed,» he wrote.
The fallout has drawn attention to who can say what on some of the world's biggest stages. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have called Kraft's interjection censorship, though as a private venue owner Kraft can decide who is not allowed in Gillette Stadium.
The effects have spread beyond the two principals. Other supporting artists scheduled for Sheeran's tour — including Finneas, Billie Eilish's music-producing brother, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, and Danish band Lukas Graham — have dropped out in solidarity. Beoga, the Irish group performing as part of Sheeran's show, also dropped out.
Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his own and that he «spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so.» Kraft echoed that language Wednesday, saying he has for decades supported efforts aimed at creating opportunities for Palestinians. «I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting,» Kraft wrote.
Kraft also said Sheeran is reaching out to other venue owners where he is scheduled to perform to encourage them to contribute to humanitarian aid in the region. Sheeran, who has often tried to maintain a neutral stance on political issues, is now at the center of controversy despite efforts to distance himself. Some ticket holders have asked for refunds following the lineup change.
The North American leg of Sheeran's tour runs through Nov. 7 in Tampa, Fla., with his next show set for Sept. 19 in Philadelphia. Other than Kraft, none of the other venue owners appear to have made public statements about the Macklemore controversy beyond noting a change in the lineup.
