Ed Sheeran-Macklemore controversy: Billionaire Robert Kraft reveals singer asked him to donate $2 million amid Gaza crisis

The controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and billionaire Robert Kraft has taken another turn after Kraft said Sheeran had asked him to commit $2 million towards humanitarian aid in the region. The development came shortly after Macklemore said he would donate $1 million from his earnings from Sheeran's Loop Tour to organisations supporting Palestinians. The rapper had also publicly challenged Kraft to match his donation after being removed from the tour's upcoming shows.

Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium and is worth $15.2 billion as per Forbes, said the conversation with Sheeran happened before Macklemore made that public challenge. In a statement released through Gillette Stadium, Kraft said Sheeran wanted him to contribute $2 million to help address the humanitarian crisis.

What Robert Kraft said about Ed Sheeran's $2 million request

Kraft said Sheeran personally contacted him about the proposed 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 added that Sheeran planned to contact other venue owners as part of a wider effort. "Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."

Kraft also said he wanted to make clear that his position on the controversy should not be taken as opposition to efforts supporting Palestinians. He pointed to his previous work involving Palestinians and Israelis.

"In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships."

The statement did not name the organisations that would receive Kraft's proposed $2 million. Reports also noted that the announcement was framed around a commitment to aid rather than providing details about where or when the money would be distributed.

Why Macklemore challenged Robert Kraft

The latest development follows Macklemore's decision to donate his earnings from the tour after he was removed as an opening act.

Macklemore said he would give his entire $1 million in net earnings from the Loop Tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians. The groups named were the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Heal Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera.

He then challenged Kraft to make a similar contribution.

The rapper's announcement came days after his removal from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's tour. The dispute followed Macklemore's performance at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, where he spoke about the war in Gaza, called for "Free Palestine" and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BEN (@macklemore)

Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour?

Kraft had earlier confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran is scheduled to perform later this month.

Kraft said the venue had a responsibility to prevent what he described as hate speech and cited what he called Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery". Macklemore has rejected accusations that his criticism of Israel amounts to antisemitism.

Sheeran later said that removing Macklemore was not his personal decision. According to Sheeran, the decision came from the tour promoter and venues after some concert venues indicated they would not host the shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.

The fallout did not end with Macklemore's departure. Other artists who were scheduled to support Sheeran, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga, also withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

Kraft says he wants to 'build bridges'

In his latest statement, Kraft tried to put the donation discussion alongside his broader position on the conflict and his past work involving Jewish and Palestinian communities.

"I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting."