After rapper Macklemore announced he would donate his entire earnings from Ed Sheeran’s tour—about $1 million—to six organizations aiding ‘Palestinians’, the English singer is matching and raising the stakes. Robert Kraft, owner of the American stadium who ordered Macklemore removed from Sheeran’s opening acts, revealed Thursday that Sheeran asked: “to commit $2 million in aid to the region, to combat the humanitarian crisis.”
Statement from Robert Kraft pic.twitter.com/as3f4RUKse
— Gillette Stadium (@GilletteStadium) September 16, 2026
The stadium owner also shared his personal view on the matter, adding: “I want people to know that for decades I have supported efforts that created opportunities and brought together young Palestinians and Israelis to build businesses, create jobs and connections.” The statement posted on his stadium’s official X account racked up millions of views within hours.
Sheeran himself, who has consistently avoided political engagement, found himself in the eye of the storm and tried to distance himself from the decision. Facing criticism from both sides, the singer emphasized that Macklemore’s contract was signed directly with the promoter and not with him, and that he himself tried to mediate between the parties for days. “Someone who buys a ticket to my show doesn’t expect to arrive at a political forum,” he said. According to him, the fact that he doesn’t share his personal positions on the war doesn’t indicate indifference, but rather a desire to create a musical space.
Following Macklemore’s removal, other opening acts for Ed Sheeran announced their withdrawal in protest. One of them, Finneas, brother of singer Billie Eilish, claimed that “artists must not be silenced when they speak for the oppressed. I’ve decided to withdraw. I stand with ‘Palestine’ and its people.” Additionally, the other two opening acts for the American leg of the tour—Danish pop artist Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe—announced they would not participate in the Loop Tour.