US rapper Macklemore has announced the donation of $1 million from his earnings to aid oppressed Palestinians. He intends to provide these funds to organizations dedicated to supporting Palestinians and conducting relief operations in Gaza. He had earned this $1 million as an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s ‘Mathematics’ (or ‘Loop’) tour. However, a decision was made to drop him from the tour following criticism over comments he made on stage in support of Palestine. He made this announcement subsequently. The Guardian reported this news. At the same time, he called upon Robert Kraft—the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and a prominent donor to Israel—to match his donation. Later, Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran announced donations of $1 million each, bringing the total aid for Palestine to $3 million. Robert Kraft had previously refused to allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium, located outside Boston.
In an Instagram post, the Grammy-winning artist wrote, “Given the events of the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs—the Palestinian people. Those who are still being killed, those living under military occupation, and those fighting for their freedom.” He added, “I will donate the entirety of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s tour—$1 million—to six organizations directly supporting the Palestinian people. And I call upon Robert Kraft to match my donation.”
Macklemore stated, “Setting aside the issues on which we disagree, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are important. A Palestinian life is worth no less than the life of any other person on earth.”
Kraft issued a statement in response. There, she announced that both she and Ed Sheeran would donate $2 million each “to help address the humanitarian crisis in the region.” However, she did not specify which organization or charity would receive the funds. Craft stated, “I have dedicated a large part of my life to building bridges between people. I deeply believe that every human life is precious and worth saving.” She added, “Before Macklemore even asked me to match his donation, Ed had called me and urged me to pledge $2 million—matching his own contribution—to help tackle the humanitarian crisis in the region.”
Earlier this month, during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore expressed his desire to see a “Free Palestine” in a speech lasting nearly two minutes. He said, “I want Palestine to be free. I want these words to be so loud and clear that people from Gaza to the occupied West Bank know—we haven’t forgotten them.” Following his remarks, the Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. The very next day, Macklemore once again voiced his support for Palestine on stage. Addressing the Jewish audience members present, he said, “Criticizing Israel, criticizing the apartheid system, or taking a stand against genocide is in no way a criticism of you. My message is one of peace and love—of treating all people with dignity, respect, and equality.”
