In the latest chapter of the ongoing Ed Sheeran–Macklemore–Robert Kraft situation, Sheeran and Kraft have apparently seen and raised Macklemore’s $1 million donation to Palestinian relief by donating $2 million each — although it’s unclear exactly to whom.
In a statement released on the Gilette Stadium X account, Kraft said, “Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis,” but the specifics stop there. Reps for Kraft and Sheeran did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for more specific information.
Kraft’s statement reads in full: “I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting. Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.
“In addition, I’d like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Macklemore announced that he’ll be donating the $1 million in net earnings he received from supporting Ed Sheeran on his Loop Tour to organizations working to support the Palestinian people, and invited billionaire Kraft to match his donation.
The rapper was dropped from Sheeran’s current tour earlier this week after saying “free Palestine” on stage and delivering a political speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at the beginning of September. He appeared to place the blame on New England Patriots owner Kraft, saying that the mogul had rallied other stadium owners to refuse to allow him to perform at their venues.
Variety will have more on the situation as it develops.
