New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has pledged $2 million towards humanitarian relief, a commitment made after rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour following anti-Israel demonstrations. The announcement came after Sheeran personally contacted Kraft, prompting the stadium owner to match Macklemore's pledged $1 million donation.
Macklemore was reportedly dropped from select dates on Sheeran's "Mathematics Tour" after performing anti-Israel chants and his song "Hind’s Hall" during concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. Following the fallout, Macklemore publicly challenged Kraft, accusing him of leading a stadium boycott against the rapper.
In a statement released Wednesday, Kraft confirmed his $2 million commitment, stating, "I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting." He added that Sheeran had reached out to him prior to Macklemore's challenge, asking for the $2 million contribution to aid in the region amidst the humanitarian crisis. Kraft expressed a shared goal with Sheeran to "continue to work together to build bridges."
Kraft also addressed the broader controversy, noting his long-standing efforts to support Palestinians and foster relationships between young Israelis and Palestinians. He stated, "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."
Kraft further explained his decision not to host Macklemore at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper's history of rhetoric that he believes has included antisemitic tropes. Kraft emphasized that Macklemore's actions, including his protest song and chants, overlooked the October 7 Hamas attack. Promoters and venue owners subsequently removed Macklemore from additional shows, a decision Sheeran clarified was made by the venues, not by him.
Macklemore's departure from the tour led several opening acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, to withdraw from their remaining U.S. dates. The situation also drew commentary from political figures, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., suggesting that stadium owners were silencing speech to protect elite interests and characterizing the conflict in Gaza as a "genocide." Proponents of Macklemore's stance argued that private venue owners are not obligated to host all forms of speech, but that refusing to host speech opposing their community's interests on their own property is within their rights.
Macklemore has faced controversy in the past, including a 2014 incident where his costume, featuring a wig, fake beard, and prosthetic nose, was widely criticized as a grotesque stereotype of Hasidic Jews. Singer Pink also recently criticized Macklemore's onstage remarks, asserting that artists should not dictate what offends Jewish fans.