Macklemore is backing up his recent pro-Palestinian remarks with a major financial commitment — announcing on Wednesday that he’ll donate the entirety of the $1 million he earned from Ed Sheeran’s “Loop” Tour to organizations supporting Palestinians.
The rapper said the funds will be split among six groups: Anera, UNRWA USA, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Gaza Soup Kitchen, HEAL Palestine, and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF).
Alongside the announcement, Macklemore directed a pointed message at Patriots owner Robert Kraft, writing, “Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting” — before challenging Kraft to match his $1 million donation.
Macklemore said he wants attention focused on Palestinians rather than himself, the Loop Tour, or the surrounding controversy, adding that he plans to continue supporting what he describes as their fight for freedom and liberation.
Background: fallout from tour comments
The donation follows Macklemore’s removal from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s tour, after pro-Palestinian remarks he made at MetLife Stadium sparked backlash and prompted objections from several venues.
Macklemore later claimed Kraft played a role in rallying other stadium owners against him, alleging that Kraft told Sheeran he wouldn’t be able to perform at Gillette Stadium if Macklemore remained on the bill. Kraft pushed back on that account, confirming he didn’t want Macklemore performing at the venue he owns and accusing the rapper of crossing a line with rhetoric and imagery he characterized as antisemitic.
With his latest move, Macklemore has effectively turned the spotlight back on Kraft — attaching a seven-figure challenge to the exchange.