New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft says singer Ed Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million towards humanitarian aid in the region, amid the ongoing controversy over rapper Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s US tour.
Kraft made the comments on Wednesday after Macklemore announced that he would donate his $1 million in net earnings from Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians and challenged Kraft to match his contribution.
Kraft said Sheeran contacted him before Macklemore issued the public challenge and asked him to commit $2 million towards humanitarian assistance.
“Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis,” Kraft said.
Kraft also said Sheeran planned to approach other venue owners about contributing to humanitarian efforts, with the aim of building bridges between communities.
Kraft's comments come days after he confirmed that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at his Gillette Stadium near Boston during Sheeran's upcoming shows.
The decision followed Macklemore's public comments in support of Palestinians during previous performances, including calls for a “free Palestine” and references to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Kraft has also accused the rapper of a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric, allegations Macklemore has denied.
Sheeran has said he did not personally make the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour. The singer said the decision was made by the tour's promoters after some venues indicated they would not host concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill.
The controversy has also prompted Sheeran's other scheduled support acts to withdraw from the remaining US dates. These include Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Irish folk group Beoga, who expressed solidarity with Macklemore.
Macklemore said his $1 million donation would be divided among six organisations working to support Palestinians, including the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera.
Kraft has said he supports humanitarian efforts benefiting both Palestinians and Israelis and that he believes all lives should be protected.
While reports now say Sheeran and Kraft have each pledged $2 million, the specific organisations that will receive Kraft's contribution have not been announced.