Macklemore Commits $1 Million to Palestinian Aid Following Tour Departure

WHO:

BBC - Kraft stated that Ed Sheeran asked him to donate $2 million to aid after the backlash against Macklemore.

CNBC - Ed Sheeran plans to contact other venue owners to encourage additional donations for Palestinian aid.

BBC - Robert Kraft stated he would like those speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that he has long "supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians."

NBC News - Macklemore is donating $1 million of his earnings to Palestinian relief organizations following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour and he’s invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to do the same.

NY Post - Bill Maher criticized Macklemore's actions at a MetLife Stadium concert, stating he "doesn't know s---" and suggesting that celebrity "moral confusion" is fueling antisemitism.

BBC - Robert Kraft stated that Ed Sheeran asked him to donate $2 million to aid after the backlash against Macklemore.

NY Post - Robert Kraft is donating $2 million to Palestinian relief efforts.

IJR - Macklemore pledged his $1 million Loop Tour earnings to six Palestinian relief groups.

NY Post - Robert Kraft is donating $2 million to Palestinian relief efforts.

NY Post - Bill Maher criticized Macklemore's stance on Gaza, stating the rapper "doesn't know s---" and suggesting that celebrity "moral confusion" is fueling antisemitism.

AllHipHop - Macklemore is redirecting his $1 million from the Loop Tour to Palestinian organizations as support acts leave Ed Sheeran’s lineup.

NBC News - Macklemore is donating his earnings following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour.

TMZ - Macklemore is the rapper involved in the donation.

Variety - Robert Kraft is a billionaire invited to match Macklemore's donation.

WHAT:

IJR - Macklemore pledged his $1 million Loop Tour earnings to six Palestinian relief groups, stating, "Palestinian lives are worth protecting."

CNBC - Kraft stated that Ed Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight the humanitarian crisis.

IJR - Macklemore pledged his $1 million Loop Tour earnings to six Palestinian relief groups, stating, "Palestinian lives are worth protecting."

NBC News - Macklemore has invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his donation.

TMZ - Macklemore is challenging Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation.

CNBC - Kraft stated that Ed Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight the humanitarian crisis.

CNBC - Macklemore stated that Sheeran told him Kraft would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium, which is owned by the Kraft Group.

NY Post - Robert Kraft revealed a $2 million humanitarian pledge after Ed Sheeran personally called him, doubling Macklemore's donation before the rapper's challenge.

Variety - Macklemore has announced that he will be donating the $1 million in net earnings he received from supporting Ed Sheeran on his Loop Tour to organizations working to support the Palestinian people.

NY Post - Macklemore chanted "Free Palestine" at his second MetLife Stadium show after NFL owners were allegedly assured he wouldn’t mention it.

BBC - Kraft expressed that he has long "supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians."

NY Post - Kraft stated he had already decided to make the donation before Macklemore's challenge.

IJR - Macklemore stated, "Palestinian lives are worth protecting," in relation to his donation.

IJR - Macklemore pledged his $1 million Loop Tour earnings to six Palestinian relief groups, stating, "Palestinian lives are worth protecting."

NY Post - Maher expressed his views on Macklemore's actions during a MetLife Stadium concert where the rapper wore a keffiyeh and promoted his message.

Variety - Macklemore stated, "I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation," emphasizing his challenge to the billionaire.

NBC News - Macklemore is donating $1 million to Palestinian relief organizations.

TMZ - Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million to Palestinian relief groups.

Variety - Macklemore announced he will donate the $1 million in net earnings from Ed Sheeran's "Loop" Tour to support organizations working for the Palestinian people.

WHERE:

TMZ - The donation is intended for Palestinian relief groups.

WHEN:

TMZ - Macklemore announced the donation on a Wednesday.

Variety - Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's current tour earlier in the week.

WHY:

CNBC - Macklemore addressed the criticism of his remarks, stating that "antisemitism is real," but that criticism of Israel and calls to "Free Palestine" should not be conflated with hatred of Jewish people.

BBC - Kraft expressed that he has long "supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians."

IJR - Macklemore stated, "Palestinian lives are worth protecting," in relation to his donation.

NY Post - Maher expressed his views on Macklemore's actions, linking them to a broader issue of celebrity influence on public opinion regarding sensitive topics.

NY Post - Kraft's decision to donate was made independently of Macklemore's challenge.

NY Post - Kraft stated he had already decided to make the donation before Macklemore's challenge.

Variety - Macklemore's motivation for the donation is linked to his support for Palestine, as he expressed by saying "free Palestine."

HOW:

CNBC - All four of Sheeran's other supporting acts, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Irish band Beoga, and Danish band Lukas Graham, announced on Instagram that they were withdrawing from the tour.

BBC - Kraft's statement was issued by Gillette Stadium on his behalf.

NBC News - Macklemore's donation is specifically aimed at supporting organizations that work for the Palestinian people.

NBC News - Macklemore has invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his donation.

TMZ - Macklemore is challenging Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 19:59 UTC)

Macklemore is stepping up to donate $1 million of his earnings from the Loop Tour to Palestinian relief organizations after facing backlash that led to his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. In a show of solidarity, he has invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to join him in this effort, while Kraft revealed that Sheeran asked him to contribute $2 million to aid in the wake of the controversy. Macklemore has emphasized that while he acknowledges the reality of antisemitism, criticism of Israel and calls for Palestinian freedom should not be confused with hatred towards Jewish people.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 17:58 UTC)

Macklemore is making headlines by pledging $1 million of his Loop Tour earnings to six Palestinian relief organizations and has challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his donation. This comes after Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour, where he emphasized that "Palestinian lives are worth protecting" while addressing the complexities surrounding criticism of Israel. In a show of solidarity, Kraft has been asked to commit $2 million to aid in the humanitarian crisis, matching Sheeran's own donation.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:57 UTC)

Ed Sheeran is reaching out to other venue owners to encourage additional donations for Palestinian aid, while Kraft revealed that Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million to match his own donation aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. Macklemore mentioned that Sheeran informed him Kraft would not permit him to perform at Gillette Stadium, which is owned by the Kraft Group, and he also addressed the backlash regarding his comments on antisemitism and criticism of Israel. In a show of solidarity, all four of Sheeran's supporting acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, have announced on Instagram that they are withdrawing from the tour.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:04 UTC)

Robert Kraft has announced a $2 million humanitarian pledge after receiving a personal call from Ed Sheeran, which doubles the donation made by rapper Macklemore prior to his challenge. In his statement, Kraft emphasized his long-standing support for initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for Palestinians. He also expressed a desire for those advocating for the Palestinian people to understand his commitment to these efforts.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 10:58 UTC)

Macklemore is making headlines by donating $1 million of his earnings to Palestinian relief organizations after being removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour, and he has extended an invitation to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to join him in this effort. The rapper announced that this significant contribution comes from the net earnings he received while supporting Ed Sheeran on his Loop Tour. In his statement, Macklemore emphasized the importance of this cause, saying, "Palestinian lives are worth protecting."

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 07:59 UTC)

Bill Maher has taken aim at Macklemore for chanting "Free Palestine" during his second MetLife Stadium concert, despite reports that NFL owners were assured he wouldn’t bring it up. Maher criticized Macklemore's actions, claiming he "doesn't know s---" and suggesting that this kind of celebrity "moral confusion" is contributing to rising antisemitism. He linked Macklemore's behavior to a larger concern about how celebrities shape public opinion on sensitive issues.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 04:59 UTC)

Robert Kraft revealed that Ed Sheeran requested a $2 million donation to support efforts following the backlash against Macklemore. Kraft emphasized his long-standing commitment to initiatives that create opportunities for Palestinians. This statement was issued on his behalf from Gillette Stadium.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 03:00 UTC)

Robert Kraft is stepping up to donate $2 million to Palestinian relief efforts, a decision he made independently of any external challenges. He clarified that this generous contribution was already in the works before Macklemore's recent call to action. Kraft's commitment highlights his ongoing support for humanitarian causes.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 02:09 UTC)

Macklemore has pledged his one million dollars in earnings from the Loop Tour to six Palestinian relief groups, emphasizing that "Palestinian lives are worth protecting." This generous donation comes as part of a broader initiative, with Kraft revealing that he had already made the decision to contribute before Macklemore's challenge. The commitment highlights the ongoing efforts to support humanitarian causes in the region.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 01:21 UTC)

Robert Kraft is stepping up to donate $2 million to Palestinian relief efforts, a decision he made prior to Macklemore's recent pledge. Macklemore has committed his $1 million earnings from the Loop Tour to six Palestinian relief groups, emphasizing that "Palestinian lives are worth protecting." Both contributions highlight a growing commitment to humanitarian support in the region.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 00:00 UTC)

Bill Maher has taken aim at Macklemore's recent actions, criticizing the rapper for his stance on Gaza and claiming he "doesn't know s---." Maher made these remarks after Macklemore wore a keffiyeh and shared his message during a concert at MetLife Stadium. The comedian suggested that such celebrity "moral confusion" is contributing to rising antisemitism.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 23:03 UTC)

Macklemore is redirecting his $1 million from the Loop Tour to support Palestinian organizations, following the departure of support acts from Ed Sheeran’s lineup. He has also challenged billionaire Robert Kraft to match his donation, highlighting the importance of this cause. The funds will specifically aid organizations that work for the Palestinian people.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 22:02 UTC)

Macklemore is stepping up to donate his earnings after being removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour, pledging an impressive $1 million to Palestinian relief organizations. In a show of solidarity, he has also invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his generous contribution. This move highlights Macklemore's commitment to supporting those in need during challenging times.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 21:03 UTC)

Macklemore has pledged to donate $1 million in net earnings from Ed Sheeran's "Loop" Tour to support Palestinian relief groups, expressing his motivation with the phrase "free Palestine." In a challenge to billionaire Robert Kraft, Macklemore is inviting him to match this generous donation. The announcement came after Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's current tour earlier in the week.