Listen to this articleDear 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated using AI-based technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve results. The billionaire stadium owner who reportedly led efforts to remove Macklemore as Ed Sheeran’s opening act over his pro-Palestinian comments on stage is now donating $2 million to “help in the region.” The same. While Kraft did not specify in his statement where his funds would go, and a spokesperson did not clarify, he said that Sheeran had asked him to match a US$2 million donation from Sheeran “before Macklemore challenged me.” He also said he wanted people to know that “for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunities for Palestinians and brought together young Palestinians and Israelis to build businesses, create jobs and forge relationships.” Macklemore opened for Sheeran on the first two American shows of the Loop Tour on September 4 and 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He was scheduled to open the remaining eight of Sheeran’s 10 US shows, but announced in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday that he had been pulled from the tour. Macklemore’s comments on the MetLife stage, including chanting “Free Palestine” and expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, drew criticism from pro-Israel groups, including a petition calling for his dismissal. Sheeran’s support acts quit tour after Macklemore fallout: How Macklemore’s ‘Free Palestine’ stance derailed Ed Sheeran’s entire tour Macklemore’s ouster from Ed Sheeran’s world tour for his support of Palestinians continued to snowball as other opening acts and Sheeran’s own backing band quit in solidarity. Macklemore was removed after calling for a “Free Palestine” and referring to the war in Gaza as “genocide” live on stage. Macklemore blamed his dismissal on Kraft, alleging that Kraft said Macklemore would not be allowed on stage and rallied other stadium owners to threaten to cancel scheduled concerts if he was not removed from the lineup. Sheeran issued his own statement on Tuesday, defending his decision not to take a public stance and saying he is “horrified by the conflict between Israel and Palestine.” In the statement, Sheeran said: “Macklemore’s departure from the tour was the promoter’s decision, not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.” In response, Sheeran’s remaining support acts left the tour. Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe were scheduled to replace Macklemore as support acts for the remaining dates of Sheeran’s US tour. Finneas, the American singer and close collaborator of his sister Billie Eilish, was scheduled to perform as Sheeran’s opening act on four of his South American dates. Beoga, an Irish folk band, had been performing with Sheeran during part of his set since the tour began in January in New Zealand. “Artists should not be silenced when they speak out for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote. Graham also appeared to slyly attack Kraft, writing: “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. No one’s bank balance should decide who speaks or what suffering we can recognize.” Sheeran has not posted anything since the supporting artists left the tour, and his rep did not respond to an emailed request for comment. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, has also not responded to requests for comment.
