Ed Sheeran asked Patriots owner Robert Kraft for $2 million aid donation after Macklemore was dropped from his tour for pro-Palestine comments

Ed Sheeran requested $2 million in aid donations from Patriots owner Robert Kraft following the removal of Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, from his U.S. tour. Macklemore had initially pledged to donate $1 million of his earnings from the Loop Tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians. He invited Kraft to match his $2 million commitment to humanitarian aid in the region.

Kraft countered, stating that Sheeran had asked him to match Macklemore's $2 million pledge to fight the humanitarian crisis in the region. The dispute began when Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during two opening performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, leading to criticism from several advocacy groups and calls for his removal from the tour.

Kraft decided not to allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium due to his recent actions and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric. Several other artists, including Billie Eilish's brother Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and Danish band Lukas Graham, also dropped out in solidarity. Sheeran confirmed that Kraft had barred him from performing at Gillette Stadium, and while he tried to find a solution, he was unable to do so. Ticket holders have since requested refunds for the change in the tour's lineup.