Macklemore donates $1 million of his Ed Sheeran tour earnings to Palestine after being dropped

American rapper Macklemore is directing the full proceeds of $1 million from his tour supporting Ed Sheeran to organizations that assist Palestinians. This donation comes after Macklemore was dismissed as an opening act due to remarks he made in support of the Palestinian people. The rapper has earmarked the funds for six different Palestinian aid groups: Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee, and Anera.

Macklemore also called out billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Boston, to match his donation. In a statement on Instagram, Macklemore emphasized that "Palestinian lives are worth protecting." Kraft responded by announcing that both he and Sheeran would each contribute $2 million to humanitarian aid efforts in the region.

However, Kraft did not specify which organizations would receive the money. Macklemore challenged Kraft to match his $1 million donation, suggesting that the total contributions would amount to $5 million. The controversy surrounding Macklemore's presence on the tour began when he voiced support for Palestine during two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, stating that "we have not forgotten" about Gaza and the West Bank.

This led to an Israeli-American Council petition calling for his removal from the tour. Kraft later confirmed that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium, citing a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery." Macklemore has denied any accusations of antisemitism. Sheeran stated that he was unaware of Macklemore's removal as the decision was made by venue owners and promoters.