Robert Kraft has revealed that British singer Ed Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million toward humanitarian assistance in the region, adding a new dimension to the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s departure from Sheeran’s Loop tour.
Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, made the disclosure on Wednesday after Macklemore announced that he would donate $1 million from his net earnings from the tour to six organisations providing assistance to Palestinians. Macklemore also publicly invited Kraft to match his contribution.
According to Kraft, however, Sheeran had contacted him before Macklemore issued that public challenge. Kraft said Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million toward humanitarian efforts aimed at addressing the crisis in the region. Kraft said the two intended to encourage other venue owners to participate in similar efforts, describing their broader objective as building bridges between communities.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of a growing dispute over Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour. Macklemore had spoken publicly in support of Palestinians during performances, including remarks calling for a free Palestine. He was subsequently removed from the remaining U.S. dates of the tour.
Kraft has previously said that Macklemore’s recent comments, together with what Kraft described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, were factors in the decision concerning his appearance at Gillette Stadium. Macklemore has rejected accusations of antisemitism.
Sheeran, meanwhile, has offered a different account of his involvement. The singer said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter rather than by him personally. He also said that he has personal views about the conflict but has chosen not to express them publicly.
Macklemore’s decision to donate his tour earnings has nevertheless shifted some of the attention toward humanitarian assistance. His announced $1 million contribution is intended for six organisations working with Palestinians, including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera.
Kraft did not initially specify which organisations would receive his proposed $2 million contribution. His statement instead framed the initiative around humanitarian assistance and efforts to bring people together.
Reports indicate that the combined pledges from Macklemore, Kraft and Sheeran amount to $5 million, although the arrangements and recipients of the different contributions are not identical. Macklemore has identified six organisations for his donation, while Kraft has not publicly named the beneficiaries of the $2 million commitment.
The dispute has also affected other performers on Sheeran’s tour. Several of the remaining opening acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore following his removal. The developments have placed the entertainment industry’s relationship with political expression and humanitarian advocacy under renewed public scrutiny.
For now, Kraft’s announcement places humanitarian aid alongside an intensely contested debate over Macklemore’s tour departure. While the circumstances surrounding the removal remain disputed by the people involved, the new commitments have redirected part of the public discussion toward financial support for people affected by the humanitarian crisis.