Ed Sheeran has reportedly pledged 2 million US dollars towards humanitarian aid in the Middle East as the backlash over Macklemore’s removal from his US tour continues to grow.
The donation was disclosed by Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, after Macklemore was dropped from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks during two performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Kraft said Sheeran had asked him to match the donation. However, it remains unclear whether Kraft will do so, and neither the organisations set to receive Sheeran’s money nor the precise destination of the reported pledge have been publicly detailed.
Macklemore pledges tour earnings to Palestinian aid groups
Macklemore has pledged his entire 1 million US dollar net earnings from the tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians. He also challenged Kraft to match the donation.
The organisations named by the rapper are the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the American Near East Refugee Aid organisation and the UNRWA USA National Committee.
“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting,” Macklemore said.
“A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.”
Kraft said Sheeran planned to contact other venue owners, adding: “Our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.”
Sheeran has insisted that Macklemore’s removal was not his decision. He said the promoter acted after venue owners told Messina Touring Group that they would not allow the shows to proceed with the rapper on the bill.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said. “I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so.”
The singer said he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine, describing the suffering on both sides as “a human tragedy”. He also said audiences did not expect his concerts to become a political forum.
Sheeran said his shows were intended to offer “unity, joy, escapism, love” and added: “I am not complicit.”
Musicians back Macklemore as tour fallout widens
His explanation has done little to quell criticism, with musicians and public figures publicly supporting Macklemore.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote in response to one of Macklemore’s statements: “Thank you for using your voice, standing with you.” Climate activist Greta Thunberg also criticised what she described as silence from artists.
Kehlani, Paloma Faith, Garbage, Zara Larsson and Roger Waters have also expressed support for Macklemore. Faith described his response as “so articulate and so powerful”, while Garbage called his removal “sheer madness” and “wildly unjust”.
Hacks actor Hannah Einbinder also criticised Sheeran in an Instagram story, while social media users have circulated memes and other reactions as the dispute has intensified.
The controversy has affected the tour’s other performers. Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Danish group Lukas Graham have withdrawn from scheduled dates, while Sheeran’s backing band Beoga also announced that it would leave.
Finneas said: “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” Beoga’s statement was captioned “Saoirse don Phailistín”, meaning “Freedom for Palestine” in Irish.
Myles Smith, who describes Sheeran as a friend, has supported Palestinian rights while defending the singer. “Ed is not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let’s not get confused: Ed is also not the perpetrator,” he wrote.
Pink has also become involved after criticising Macklemore’s recent performances. She said she was speaking from a place of fear as a Jewish woman and mother, and that protecting innocent life must come first.
Sheeran’s next US show is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia on Saturday, with the remaining dates continuing through November without the support acts originally advertised.
