“Ed Sheeran asked me to commit $2m in aid,” says Robert Kraft

Robert Kraft says the goal is to “build bridges”

Macklemore had previously announced that he would donate his $1 million tour salary to Palestinian organisations and called on Kraft to match the amount. 

He has said the money will be split between six organisations providing humanitarian support to Palestinians.

The groups set to receive donations are the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency USA, and Anera.

Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots, has now responded with a statement released through Gillette Stadium, saying Sheeran contacted him earlier that same day.

According to Kraft, the singer asked him to commit $2 million towards “aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis”, before Macklemore made his public challenge.

Kraft also used the statement to point to his previous work involving Palestinians and Israelis, saying he has “long supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians”. 

He added that he had helped bring “young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships”.

The statement also claimed Sheeran plans to contact other venue owners, with Kraft saying: “Our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.”

There is still no confirmation that Kraft has actually agreed to give the $2 million, however. 

His statement only confirms that Sheeran asked him to make the donation, without saying whether he accepted or where the money would ultimately be sent.

Sheeran has also not publicly confirmed that he is making a $2 million donation or announced any related charitable plans.

Macklemore’s tour removal has sparked a much bigger controversy

Macklemore was dropped from the Loop Tour on Monday after the tour’s promoter said several venues had raised concerns about hosting him. 

According to the company, some venues had told Sheeran they would refuse to hold the concerts if the Seattle rapper remained part of the line-up.

The move followed Macklemore’s appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month, where he spoke publicly about the war in Gaza, called out “Free Palestine” and showed images of destruction in the region. 

His comments were criticised by pro-Israel organisations.

Macklemore later claimed that Robert Kraft had pushed for him to be removed. 

He alleged that Kraft had told Sheeran he would not be permitted to perform at Gillette Stadium and then approached other stadium owners, allegedly putting pressure on Sheeran by saying: “Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”

Kraft has confirmed that Macklemore is not welcome at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper’s “recent actions” and the content shown during Sheeran’s New Jersey performances, along with what he called a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery”. 

Sheeran has also spoken about the situation, saying he spent the week “trying to build bridges” and “find a solution”, but ultimately was “unable to do so”.

The decision has since had a knock-on effect across the tour. Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe both left the North American leg in protest, while Beoga, who had been joining Sheeran on stage at each show, also withdrew. 

Finneas subsequently pulled out of the South American leg.