Macklemore Pledges USD 1 Million to Palestinian Aid After Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop Tour’ Ouster
Rapper Macklemore donates $1 million from his Ed Sheeran 'Loop Tour' earnings to Palestinian aid organizations after his tour removal. He challenged billionaire Robert Kraft to match his pledge, to which Kraft responded by committing USD 2 million, following a prior request from Ed Sheeran to match his own humanitarian donation.
In a dramatic turn of events within the music industry, Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, has pledged his entire USD 1 million net earnings from Ed Sheeran's "Loop Tour" to organisations dedicated to supporting Palestinians. This announcement comes hot on the heels of his highly publicised removal from the tour and a direct challenge issued to New England Patriots owner and prominent pro-Israel billionaire, Robert Kraft. Ed Sheeran-Macklemore Controversy: ‘Perfect’ Singer’s ‘Loop Tour’ Opening Acts Withdraw After Macklemore’s Removal.
Controversy Erupts: Macklemore's Loop Tour Ouster
Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's US "Loop Tour" ignited a significant controversy in early September 2026. The rapper performed as an opening act on September 4 and 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During these performances, he openly expressed solidarity with Palestinians, chanted "Free Palestine," and introduced his protest song, "Hind's Hall."
These actions drew criticism from pro-Israel groups, with Macklemore alleging on September 14, 2026, that Robert Kraft had rallied other venue owners to ban him from performing, threatening a boycott of the entire tour if he remained. Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium where Sheeran was scheduled to perform later, had stated his opposition to Macklemore's presence, citing concerns over "antisemitic rhetoric and imagery."
Ed Sheeran himself clarified on September 15, 2026, that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, not by him. In a show of solidarity, all other supporting acts, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, subsequently withdrew from the tour on September 15, 2026.
Macklemore's USD 1 Million Pledge and Challenge to Kraft
On September 16, 2026, Macklemore took to Instagram to declare his commitment to donating his USD 1 million earnings from the "Loop Tour" to six organisations directly aiding Palestinians. In his statement, he emphasised his desire to redirect the conversation back to the Palestinian people, stating, "Writing a check is one of the least costly forms of solidarity available to me." He further added, "Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth."
The specific organisations earmarked to receive his donation include:
- Palestine Children's Relief Fund
- Heal Palestine
- Gaza Soup Kitchen
- Medical Aid for Palestinians
- UNRWA USA National Committee
- Anera
Crucially, Macklemore directly challenged Robert Kraft to match his USD 1 million donation, intensifying the spotlight on humanitarian efforts in the region.
Macklemore's Instagram Post
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Robert Kraft's USD 2 Million Commitment and Ed Sheeran's Involvement
Hours after Macklemore's public challenge, Robert Kraft issued his own statement on September 16, 2026, confirming a significant donation. Kraft announced he would commit USD 2 million towards humanitarian aid in the region. However, he specified that this decision came before Macklemore's challenge, following a direct request from Ed Sheeran.
According to Kraft, Sheeran had called him and asked him to match his own USD 2 million donation. Kraft's statement indicated, "Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges." While Kraft did not specify the recipient organisations for his pledge, he emphasised his long-standing support for initiatives that foster opportunities for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Sheeran has not yet publicly commented on his own donation or Kraft's response. Who Is Macklemore? ‘Thrift Shop’ Rapper Making Headlines Over ‘Loop Tour’ Pro-Palestine Stance.
Gillette Stadium Issues Statement
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The unfolding events highlight the increasing intersection of entertainment, celebrity activism, and geopolitical issues, prompting significant financial commitments towards humanitarian causes amidst ongoing global discourse.
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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2026 11:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
