{
  "id": 8048750,
  "title": "Stadium owner Robert Kraft says Ed Sheeran asked him to donate $2m in aid after Macklemore backlash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/stadium-owner-robert-kraft-says-ed-sheeran-asked-him-to-donate-2m-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T14:57:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/stadium-owner-robert-kraft-says-ed-sheeran-asked-him-to-donate-2m-in-aid-after-macklemore-backlash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stadium owner Robert Kraft revealed that Ed Sheeran approached him to donate $2 million to aid efforts in the region, following Macklemore's challenge to match his own $1 million donation. This news came after Macklemore withdrew from performing alongside Sheeran due to his controversial statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots, had previously banned Macklemore from performing at his Gillette Stadium in Boston after the rapper made pro-Palestinian remarks. The controversy surrounding Macklemore's performance led to several other support acts dropping out in solidarity with him. Sheeran, who has not commented on any donation he may be making, has expressed respect for Macklemore's stance, while acknowledging that he does not use his platform for political purposes. Kraft's statement emphasized his commitment to supporting causes that create opportunities for Palestinians, but did not confirm whether he has matched Sheeran's $2 million pledge or the specific destination of the funds.",
  "summary": "Robert Kraft, the US stadium owner who had pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore removed as Ed Sheeran’s opening act, says Sheeran asked him to match his own $2m (£1.5m) donation for “aid in the region”. It came after Macklemore said he would donate $1m (£750,000) to Palestinian organisations, challenging Kraft to match him. Kraft, who owns the [...] The post Stadium owner Robert Kraft says Ed…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Tommy Robinson backs Ed Sheeran as Paloma Faith and Ms Rachel side with Macklemore",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/tommy-robinson-backs-ed-sheeran-as-paloma-faith-and-ms-rachel-side",
        "published": "2026-09-17T12:29:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}