Macklemore Pledges $1 Million to Palestinian Relief, Challenges Robert Kraft After Tour Ouster
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Sep 16
Macklemore Pledges $1 Million to Palestinian Relief, Challenges Robert Kraft After Tour Ouster
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Sep 16
Summary
$1 million from Macklemore’s Ed Sheeran tour earnings will go to six Palestinian relief groups, with the rapper saying the full net amount should support “protection” for Palestinian lives.
The pledge came two days after Sheeran dropped him from the tour after venues threatened cancellations over Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian stadium performance, including “Hind’s Hall” and a “Free Palestine” speech in New Jersey.
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, was identified by Macklemore and Sheeran as one of the venue figures who objected; Macklemore said Kraft helped rally other stadium owners and urged him to match the donation.
Kraft said he was not trying to silence Palestinian advocacy but acted over comments and imagery he viewed as offensive to Jews, arguing support for Palestinians should coexist with opposition to Hamas, antisemitism and hate.