日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
繁體中文
Dansk
// DOSSIER — macklemore-pledges-1m-palestinian-aid
Macklemore Pledges $1M to Palestinian Aid Amid Ed Sheeran Tour Controversy and Artist Walkouts
REL_TIME: 20 Sep 2026 07:13Z · LANG: EN
American rapper Macklemore pledged $1 million—his total net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s 'Loop Tour'—to six Palestinian aid organizations following his removal from the tour's remaining dates. The removal, triggered by pro-Palestinian remarks at a New Jersey concert, sparked a total walkout by Sheeran's other opening acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, in solidarity. In the ensuing fallout, children's entertainer Ms. Rachel matched Macklemore's $1 million pledge, while Ed Sheeran and billionaire Robert Kraft each committed $2 million to regional humanitarian aid, bringing total pledged funds to $6 million.
// Background
The controversy centers on the intersection of celebrity activism and corporate venue influence. Macklemore's 2024 song 'Hind’s Hall' and his onstage advocacy drew opposition from the Israeli American Council and stadium owners like Robert Kraft. Kraft cited Macklemore's 'history of antisemitic rhetoric,' including a 2014 costume controversy, as the basis for barring him from Gillette Stadium, while Macklemore alleged Kraft pressured other venue owners to do the same.
// Key Developments
- Macklemore donated $1M in net tour earnings to six NGOs including UNRWA, PCRF, and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
- All remaining tour openers (Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga) resigned in solidarity with Macklemore, citing opposition to artist silencing.
- Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran pledged a combined $4M for regional aid following Macklemore's public challenge.
- Children's educator Ms. Rachel matched the $1M donation and urged other wealthy celebrities to join the cause.
- The controversy stems from Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' speech and performance of 'Hind’s Hall' at MetLife Stadium on September 4.
// Timeline
-
Macklemore performs 'Hind’s Hall' and delivers a 'Free Palestine' speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
-
Macklemore is officially removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
-
Supporting acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga withdraw from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
-
Macklemore pledges $1M to six aid organizations and challenges Robert Kraft to match the donation.
-
Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran announce a joint $4M pledge for regional humanitarian aid.
-
Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel announces she will match Macklemore's $1M donation.
// Perspectives
[Macklemore]
Advocates for Palestinian liberation and views financial aid as a moral necessity to protect lives he deems 'no less valuable than any life on this earth.'
[Robert Kraft]
Opposes Macklemore's rhetoric as 'antisemitic' and 'hurtful to the Jewish community' but supports humanitarian aid to 'build bridges' in the region.
[Ed Sheeran]
Maintains a position of political neutrality for his audience while claiming the removal of his opening act was a promoter's decision.
[Ms. Rachel (Rachel Accurso)]
Supports Macklemore's stance, calling for an end to the 'genocide in Gaza' and criticizing Sheeran for 'caving' to pressure.
// Quotes
“Writing a check is one of the least costly forms of solidarity available to me. I am doing it because I can and because these organizations are doing the work while much of the world debates it.”
“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”
