Macklemore has donated $1 million of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to support Palestinian people, and he asked Robert Kraft to match him. Kraft responded Wednesday afternoon with a statement saying he plans to “commit $2 million to match his donation.”
Kraft said he was contacted by “Ed” before Macklemore made his public challenge, and that “Ed has plans to reach out to other venue owners.” The statement referenced “the region” and a “humanitarian crisis.”
Kraft’s Statement
Kraft defended his decision in a prior statement, citing “material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey” and “a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.” He said he was contacted by “Ed” before Macklemore made his public challenge, and that “Ed has plans to reach out to other venue owners.”
The Drop
Macklemore was dropped as an opener for Sheeran’s Loop Tour after pro-Palestinian speeches during his performances. The tour promoter stated that upcoming venues hosting shows threatened to pull out if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
The Numbers
- Macklemore’s donation: $1 million of his net earnings
- Kraft’s commitment: $2 million
- Shows affected: Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium shows, slated for September 25th and 26th
The Speeches
Macklemore’s full statement on Instagram included the quote: “Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than another life on this earth.”
What Kraft Said
Kraft’s statement referenced “the region” and a “humanitarian crisis.”
Who Dropped Out
Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe have dropped out of opening the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Sheeran said in his statement that the decision to drop Macklemore was the promoter’s, not his own.
The Promoter’s Role
Sheeran also reiterated in his own statement, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”
The Timeline
- Macklemore performs pro-Palestinian speeches during his shows.
- Venues threaten to cancel shows if he stays on the bill.
- The promoter drops Macklemore from the tour.
- Macklemore donates $1 million of his net earnings.
- Macklemore invites Kraft to match his donation.
- Kraft responds with a $2 million commitment.
Kraft’s $2 million commitment is a response to a direct call from someone named “Ed.”
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