Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Macklemore Donates $1 Million Tour Earnings to Palestinian Aid
Macklemore performed on Ed Sheeran’s tour and earned about $1 million.
He said he will give all of that money to six groups helping Palestinians.
These groups provide things such as medical care and food.
He also asked Robert Kraft to donate the same amount.
Macklemore had spoken in support of Palestine during a concert in New Jersey.
He said pressure from stadium owners helped lead to his removal from the tour.
Ed Sheeran said the tour promoter made that decision, not him.
Other opening acts later left the tour in solidarity with Palestine.
One article headline mentions a $2 million pledge, but the provided article text does not explain who made it.
Macklemore said he will donate his entire $1 million in net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
The money will be divided among six organizations supporting Palestinian communities, including medical and food-aid groups.
He challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a known donor to Israel, to match the donation.
Macklemore was removed from the tour after saying “free Palestine” and discussing Palestinian rights during a New Jersey performance.
Ed Sheeran said the promoter, not him, made the removal decision; a second article headline mentions a $2 million pledge but provides no details about its source.
- Who
- Macklemore, Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft, the tour promoter, and six Palestinian-aid organizations.
- What
- Macklemore announced a donation of his $1 million net tour earnings and challenged Robert Kraft to match it.
- When
- Macklemore announced the donation on Wednesday, September 16, after being removed from the tour earlier that month.
- Where
- The dispute followed Macklemore’s performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; the funds will support Palestinian communities.
- Why
- Macklemore said he wanted to refocus attention on Palestinians’ freedom, dignity, safety, and right to live without military occupation.
Macklemore’s Account
Tour and Promoter Account
Why Macklemore left the tour
Macklemore’s Account
Macklemore said stadium owners threatened to cancel upcoming shows if he remained on the bill, and that this pressure led to his removal.
Tour and Promoter Account
Ed Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter, not by him, because Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter.
Focus of the controversy
Macklemore’s Account
Macklemore said the issue was about protecting Palestinian lives and supporting their freedom, dignity, and safety.
Tour and Promoter Account
The tour’s stated practical concern, as described by Sheeran, was avoiding disruption for fans, crew members, and other musicians who depended on the tour.
- Donation amount
- $1 million in Macklemore’s net earnings from the Loop Tour
- Recipients
- Six organizations supporting Palestinians
- Named organizations
- Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee, and Anera
- Challenge
- Macklemore asked Robert Kraft to match his donation
- Tour removal
- Macklemore was removed after pro-Palestinian comments at MetLife Stadium
- Ed Sheeran’s position
- Sheeran said the promoter made the decision and that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter
- Other departures
- Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga also left the tour
