Billionaire Kraft says Ed Sheeran sought $2 million aid donation from him amid fracas over Macklemore's Palestine comments - CNBC
Billionaire Robert Kraft stated that Ed Sheeran requested a $2 million donation for regional aid following the removal of Macklemore from Sheeran's tour due to the rapper's pro-Palestinian comments. The situation has led to a broader fallout, with several other supporting acts withdrawing from the tour in solidarity.
Why it matters
Illustrates the intersection of celebrity activism, corporate influence, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Billionaire Robert Kraft said Ed Sheeran had asked him to commit $2 million for aid after musician Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour after he made pro-Palestinian comments from the stage.
Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots NFL football team, said in a statement Thursday that Sheeran had called him before Macklemore publicly challenged the billionaire to match a $1 million donation the rapper said he would make to Palestinian relief organizations.
"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 said.
Sheeran also plans to contact other venue owners to encourage additional donations, according to Kraft's statement.
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