Robert Kraft Says Ed Sheeran Asked Him to Match $2M Regional Aid Donation After Macklemore Backlash

US stadium owner Robert Kraft revealed that British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million to regional aid. According to BBC Entertainment, the request followed a public challenge by pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore, who urged Kraft to match a $1 million donation directed toward Palestinian organisations.

Writing on Wednesday, Kraft stated that Sheeran contacted him prior to Macklemore's challenge to ask for a $2 million commitment to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. Kraft added that Sheeran planned to reach out to other venue owners with the goal of collaborating to build bridges.

However, Kraft did not confirm whether he agreed to the $2 million donation or specify where the funds would be directed. This marked the first time such a donation by Sheeran had been suggested, and the musician has not yet commented publicly on any philanthropic plans or donations.

This development is part of an ongoing controversy surrounding Sheeran's US tour. Earlier in the week, Kraft confirmed that he had Macklemore removed as an opening act for an upcoming performance at Gillette Stadium near Boston, which Kraft owns. Kraft accused the rapper of hate speech, citing comments and imagery related to Gaza shown during a previous show.

Macklemore's removal from the tour generated a significant backlash across the music industry. In response to being dropped, Macklemore announced he would donate $1 million—representing his entire net earnings from Sheeran's Loop Tour—to six Palestinian organisations to focus attention on the Palestinian people.

Following Macklemore's removal, all other supporting acts on Sheeran's US tour withdrew in solidarity. The departing acts include Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga, with the artists arguing that the decision represented a chilling effect on free speech.

Sheeran stated that the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour was made by promoters and that he preferred to avoid a public debate regarding Gaza. The British singer, who performed at Kraft's wedding in 2022, found himself facing one of the most significant crises of his career amid the mounting tour departures.

In his statement issued through Gillette Stadium, Kraft noted his history of supporting efforts to create opportunities for Palestinians and bringing young Israelis and Palestinians together for business and community building. The billionaire sports owner, who is Jewish, maintained that his venue would not serve as a platform for what he characterized as hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric, allegations which Macklemore has denied.

Kraft's statement did not address whether he had coordinated with other stadium owners to bar Macklemore from additional venues, a claim previously made by the rapper. Macklemore, whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty, argued that his previous calls for a free Palestine were not attacks on Jewish people.

The controversy escalated just days before the tour was scheduled to resume in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As the situation continues to unfold, industry observers are watching to see how the tour proceeds following the departure of all supporting acts and whether further discussions regarding regional aid will materialise.