The owner of the billionaire stadium allegedly spearheading the campaign to remove Macklemore as the opening act for Ed Sheeran due to his pro-Palestinian statements has pledged a $2 million US donation to support the region. This announcement followed Macklemore’s declaration to contribute $1 million US from his tour earnings to six organizations aiding Palestinians, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium, stated that Sheeran had urged him to match a $2 million US donation made by Sheeran before Macklemore issued his challenge.
Although Kraft did not specify the destination of his donation in the statement, he emphasized his long-standing support for initiatives fostering opportunities for Palestinians and facilitating collaboration between young Palestinians and Israelis to build businesses and foster relationships. Macklemore, also known as Benjamin Hammond Haggery, was initially set to open for Sheeran for ten U.S. shows but was removed after his on-stage support for Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank sparked criticism from pro-Israel groups.
Macklemore attributed his removal to Kraft, alleging that Kraft had prohibited him from performing and persuaded other stadium owners to threaten concert cancellations unless he was removed from the lineup. In response, all remaining supporting acts for Sheeran’s tour chose to quit. Sheeran clarified that Macklemore’s exit from the tour was a decision made by the promoter and not himself, defending his stance of not publicly taking sides in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Following Macklemore’s departure, the Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe were scheduled to replace him as opening acts for Sheeran’s remaining U.S. tour dates. Other supporting acts also left the tour, with Finneas emphasizing the importance of artists speaking up for the oppressed. Graham indirectly criticized Kraft, emphasizing that financial status should not dictate who can voice their opinions or acknowledge suffering.
Ed Sheeran has not addressed the situation since the supporting acts left the tour, and his representative has not responded to inquiries. Likewise, the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, has remained silent on the matter.