Ed Sheeran asked me to donate $2m in aid, Robert Kraft says after Macklemore backlash
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has pledged $2 million in aid following a controversy involving the removal of rapper Macklemore from an Ed Sheeran concert. The decision to drop Macklemore was attributed to his pro-Palestinian stance, which Kraft labeled as hate speech.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between public figures, corporate stadium owners, and political activism regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Figure caption, Will Ed Sheeran cancel his tour as support acts quit?
The US stadium owner who had pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore removed as Ed Sheeran's opening act at his venue says Sheeran has asked him to donate $2m to "aid in the region".
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced the intended pledge in his second statement this week on the controversy, without specifying where exactly the funds would go.
Kraft confirmed on Monday he had Macklemore dropped as opening act from Sheeran's forthcoming Loop Tour at the Gillette Stadium near Boston, accusing the rapper of hate speech.
Facing a backlash, Sheeran has said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by promoters and that he would not be drawn into a public debate over Gaza.
On Wednesday, Macklemore said he would donate $1m to Palestinian organisations, challenging Kraft to match the sum.
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