Macklemore has announced he will donate the entire $1 million (£747,000) of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to organisations supporting Palestinian people. The announcement comes after the rapper was removed from the US leg of the tour over a stage speech calling for a 'Free Palestine'.
Fallout from the speech and tour removals
The 43-year-old Downtown rapper was dropped from the tour after stadium bosses reportedly told Ed Sheeran he would not be allowed to perform if Macklemore remained on the lineup. This followed comments from Pink condemning Macklemore's speech. Subsequently, remaining openers Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe pulled out, voicing support for Palestine, as did Ed's band Beoga.
In an Instagram post, Macklemore wrote: 'With everything that has happened over the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs; to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom.'
Donation to six organisations and a challenge to Robert Kraft
Macklemore confirmed that six organisations 'working directly to support the Palestinian people' would receive his donation. He also issued a challenge: 'I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation. Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.'
Robert Kraft is the CEO of Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium, one of the venues where Ed Sheeran was set to perform. According to reports, Kraft spoke to other venue owners, who then contacted Sheeran's team to block Macklemore from performing.
Ed Sheeran's response and backlash
In his statement, Ed Sheeran claimed that the venue bosses took issue with how the message was conveyed, not what was said. He also said he was 'not complicit' but described himself as apolitical, noting he does not publicly speak on such issues. Paloma Faith has since criticised this stance, pointing out that Sheeran appeared in a benefit concert for Ukraine, saying she 'doesn't understand' why this issue 'felt more political'.
Sheeran has not yet responded to the backlash or to the openers and band dropping out. It remains unclear whether he will be able to proceed with his final US shows.
Macklemore's call to action
Macklemore, who has seen a significant boost in streaming numbers following the fallout, urged fans to keep their attention on the Palestinian people. 'This is a manmade injustice, and I believe it requires immediate political change,' he wrote. 'Palestinians have lived for decades without basic rights and should not have to wait another day to be free.'
He concluded: 'When the news cycle moves on, which it will, don't move with it. Free Palestine.'
