Robert Kraft is responding to the growing controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour with a multimillion-dollar humanitarian commitment.
The New England Patriots owner says he has committed $2 million toward humanitarian aid in the region, matching a separate $2 million pledge from Sheeran.
The announcement came shortly after Macklemore revealed he would donate his entire $1 million in net earnings from Sheeran’s tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians and publicly invited Kraft to match his contribution.
But according to Kraft, Sheeran had already reached out before Macklemore issued the challenge.
Robert Kraft Commits $2 Million After Call From Ed Sheeran
In a statement released through Gillette Stadium, Kraft said Sheeran personally contacted him and asked him to match a $2 million humanitarian donation.
“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,” Kraft said.
Kraft added that he believes “all lives are worth protecting” and said he has spent decades supporting initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for Palestinians while bringing young Palestinians and Israelis together.
Sheeran reportedly plans to contact other stadium and venue owners in hopes of generating additional humanitarian support.
The commitments from Macklemore, Sheeran and Kraft now amount to $5 million in announced humanitarian aid.
Macklemore Put $1 Million on the Table First
The development follows Macklemore’s announcement that he would donate all $1 million of his net earnings from the Loop Tour to six organizations working with Palestinians.
The rapper named organizations including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA and Anera as recipients of his donation.
Macklemore then directly invited Kraft to contribute.
“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting,” he wrote.
The challenge carried additional weight because Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, had objected to Macklemore performing at the venue following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian statements onstage.
Tour Controversy Turns Into Millions in Humanitarian Aid
Macklemore was removed from the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour after several venues reportedly objected to hosting him following his onstage comments.
The decision created a major shake-up for Sheeran’s tour, with several other supporting artists subsequently withdrawing.
What began as a dispute over Macklemore’s presence on the tour has now produced a very different development: Macklemore, Sheeran and Kraft have collectively committed millions toward humanitarian relief.
Kraft said he and Sheeran now intend to work with other venue owners to continue raising support.
For the moment, the Loop Tour itself is moving forward — but the controversy surrounding it has expanded far beyond the stage.