Rapper Macklemore announced on Wednesday that he would be giving $1 million from his recent tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations. He announced the donation in a statement posted to Instagram, emphasizing that his support for Palestinian people had always been about more than just controversy. Macklemore said the money would go to six groups that are directly helping Palestinians in need. The six groups are the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee, and Anera.
He also invited Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium and a key figure in the campaign that led to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour, to match his donation, according to Consequence. Kraft responded by saying Sheeran had already asked him to match a separate $2 million donation for humanitarian aid in the region and that he had agreed to do so. Macklemore said that while aid was important, it could not fix the deeper problems behind the crisis.
He described the situation in Gaza as a manmade injustice that needed political solutions. Macklemore also shared the story of a 15-year-old Palestinian boy who was killed in an Israeli strike while trying to help an injured aid worker, dailymail.com reported. Macklemore identified the boy as Muhammad al Zinati and the injured aid worker as Sherif Lubbad. He said this was not just about one child, but about a broader pattern of suffering and loss. The account of the boy’s death was included in Macklemore’s statement.
Macklemore emphasized the need for people to stay focused on Palestinian rights and freedom. He said that the Palestinian people had lived for decades without basic rights and deserved to be free now. Macklemore also reminded fans not to let the news cycle move them away from supporting Palestinian causes.
He stated that aid alone could not solve the situation, and that political change was necessary. The controversy began after Macklemore made public comments supporting Palestinian rights during Sheeran’s tour. The comments came during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore said “Free Palestine” from the stage. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group later removed Macklemore from the lineup after several stadium owners said they would not host Sheeran’s shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran said the decision came from the promoter and venues rather than from him.
The removal led to a wave of backlash from fans and prompted several opening acts to withdraw from the tour. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and members of Sheeran’s touring band Beoga later withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore. Kraft, who was involved in the decision to remove Macklemore, said that while he agreed with Macklemore about the suffering of Palestinians, advocacy should not come at the expense of other communities. He added that Hamas actions had caused immense harm to both Israelis and Palestinians. Kraft said Gillette Stadium opposed Macklemore’s participation because of what Kraft described as a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Macklemore has rejected claims that his criticism of Israel is antisemitic.
Kraft said Sheeran had asked him earlier Wednesday to match Sheeran’s own $2 million humanitarian donation before Macklemore publicly issued his challenge. The donation was part of a broader effort to support humanitarian aid in the region. Kraft said Sheeran plans to ask other venue owners to contribute as well. Macklemore’s statement also highlighted the importance of supporting Palestinian families and activists who risk their lives for their cause.
He said that the risks faced by Palestinian activists were far greater than his own. Macklemore’s donation and Kraft’s response have drawn new attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the tour. The two men’s actions have sparked further discussion about the role of public figures in global conflicts.
Sheeran’s next tour date is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Reuters reported that the tour is scheduled to resume in Philadelphia that day.
IMAGE: Jørund Føreland Pedersen CC3