Kraft Addresses Macklemore’s Challenge to Match $1 Million Palestinian Aid Donation

Hours after Macklemore challenged Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian support organizations, the New England Patriots owner responded. Earlier in the week, Kraft allegedly led a campaign to pressure venues into dropping Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s tour, triggering widespread backlash from artists and fans who accused him of censoring free speech.

“I’ve dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting,” Kraft said in a statement posted on Gillette Stadium’s social media accounts, which he owns. “Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed Sheeran called and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region and address this humanitarian crisis. Ed plans to reach out to other venue owners, and our goal is to continue working together to build bridges.”

Kraft continued, “I also want the people speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts creating opportunity for Palestinians and bringing young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships.” He did not specify what efforts he had supported.

A representative for Sheeran did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone’s request for comment.

On Monday, the company promoting Sheeran’s tour announced that Macklemore would be removed from the lineup after several venues told Sheeran they would not host concerts if he remained on the bill. The announcement followed criticism from pro-Israel groups over Macklemore’s performance at MetLife Stadium earlier that month, where he expressed solidarity with Palestinians, shouted “Free Palestine,” and shared images of destruction from Israel’s war in Gaza.

Kraft confirmed he would not allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper’s “recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” that he described as “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.” Kraft did not address Macklemore’s claim that he had rallied other stadium owners to follow suit.

Numerous artists and leaders across industries voiced support for Macklemore following his removal, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kehlani, Finneas, Ms. Rachel, Rachel Chinouriri, Greta Thunberg, and Pattie Gonia. All artists supporting Sheeran’s tour withdrew after the news.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote on Instagram. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

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