A stadium owner, alleged to have spearheaded the removal of Macklemore as Ed Sheeran’s opening act due to his pro-Palestinian remarks, has committed a $2 million donation for assistance in the region. This announcement followed Macklemore’s pledge to donate $1 million from his tour earnings to support Palestinians through various organizations. The stadium owner, Robert Kraft, mentioned that Sheeran had urged him to match a $2 million donation before being challenged by Macklemore.
Kraft emphasized his longstanding support for initiatives benefiting Palestinians and fostering relationships between young Palestinians and Israelis, although he did not specify the destination of his donation. Macklemore, also known as Benjamin Hammond Haggery, had initially opened for Sheeran on the Loop Tour but was removed after expressing solidarity with Palestinians during a performance, leading to criticism and calls for his removal.
Macklemore attributed his removal to Kraft’s influence, alleging that Kraft had prevented him from performing and enlisted other stadium owners to threaten concert cancellations if he remained on the bill. Sheeran, in response, clarified that Macklemore’s removal was a decision by the promoter, not himself, prompting all remaining supporting acts to quit the tour.
The tour lineup saw Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe replacing Macklemore, with American singer Finneas and Irish folk band Beoga also part of the tour. Finneas emphasized the importance of artists speaking up for the oppressed, while Graham indirectly criticized Kraft’s involvement, advocating for free speech regardless of financial influence. Sheeran has not commented on the situation following the departure of supporting acts, and both his representative and the tour promoter have not responded to inquiries.