Macklemore has announced that he will donate $1 million from his earnings on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to Palestinian organisations.
The announcement comes amid the ongoing row over the rapper’s removal from Sheeran’s US tour.
Ed Sheeran. Photo credit: Miguel Angel Lopez Rojas, Shutterstock
Macklemore said on social media that he would give his entire $1 million net earnings from the tour to six Palestinian organisations.
He said the decision was made “to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people”, adding that he believes the situation requires “immediate political change”.
The announcement was followed by a statement from Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots.
Kraft said Sheeran had contacted him before Macklemore issued his challenge and asked him to commit $2 million to match Sheeran’s own donation to humanitarian aid in the region.
Statement from Robert Kraft pic.twitter.com/as3f4RUKse
— Gillette Stadium (@GilletteStadium) September 16, 2026
There is an important distinction, however: Kraft did not say that he had agreed to make the $2 million donation.
He also did not confirm the destination of any funds.
Sheeran has not publicly confirmed the $2 million donation referred to by Kraft, meaning the figure currently comes from Kraft’s statement rather than a separate announcement from the singer.
Kraft’s statement was issued through the official Gillette Stadium account.
He also addressed his position on the conflict, saying he wanted those supporting the Palestinian people to be aware of his previous work.
Kraft said he has “supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians” and has worked to bring young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs and develop relationships.
“I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting,” he said.
The comments follow Kraft’s decision to prevent Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium during Sheeran’s forthcoming shows.
Macklemore. Photo credit: Ben Houdijk, Shutterstock
Kraft has accused the rapper of hate speech and has also claimed Macklemore has a wider history of antisemitic rhetoric, an accusation the rapper denies.
Macklemore has spoken publicly in support of Palestinians during previous performances, including calling for “free Palestine” and referring to the situation in Gaza as genocide. Israel rejects that description.
He has also said that criticism of Israel was not intended as criticism of “my Jewish brothers and sisters”.
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Macklemore’s removal from the tour prompted several other support acts to pull out in solidarity.
Those artists include Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Irish folk band Beoga, Finneas and Danish group Lukas Graham.
They argued that removing Macklemore could have implications for freedom of speech.
Dublin-based artist Aaron Rowe. Photo credit: Quinn L Delbridge, Aaron Rowe Instagram
Sheeran has said that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by his promoters, Messina Touring Group, rather than by him.
Messina Touring Group said some venues, including Gillette Stadium, would not have allowed the concerts to go ahead if Macklemore remained on the bill.
Sheeran has faced criticism over his decision to continue the tour, but said he did not want to let down his fans or crew.
His US tour is due to resume in Philadelphia on Saturday.
For now, the confirmed donation is Macklemore’s $1 million contribution to six Palestinian organisations. Kraft has discussed a potential $2 million commitment in his statement, but has not confirmed that he will make that donation.
