Robert Kraft, the US stadium owner who removed pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium show, said Sheeran asked him to pledge $2 million (£1.5 million) toward aid efforts in the region.
The comments came after Macklemore said he would donate $1 million (£750,000) to Palestinian organisations and challenged Kraft to match the contribution.
Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots, disclosed the requested pledge in a second statement this week addressing the controversy, though he did not say which organisations would receive the money.
On Monday, Kraft confirmed that Macklemore had been removed from the opening slot for Sheeran’s upcoming performance at Gillette Stadium near Boston, accusing the rapper of hate speech.
After the decision drew criticism, Sheeran said the move was made by promoters and said he did not want to be pulled into a public debate about Gaza.
In a statement, Kraft, 85, said: “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.”
Also Read
- Quantum Computing Emerges as a New Investment Focus Amid AI Development Slowdown; Four Stocks to Watch
- New Study Reveals Significant Association Between ADHD and Gastrointestinal Disorders
- The $1 Million Pennsylvania Derby: A Pivotal Breeders’ Cup Prep Race
- Trump Champions Law and Order Messaging to Aid North Carolina Senate Race