Full Breakdown
Macklemore’s Tour Ouster Sparks $1 Million Donation and a $2 Million Counter-Pledge
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In early September 2026, rapper Benjamin Haggerty (“Macklemore”) was removed from Ed Sheeran’s North-American “Loop” tour after delivering a “Free Palestine” speech at MetLife Stadium on September 4-5. Macklemore announced he would donate the $1 million net earnings from the tour to six Palestinian-aid organizations and invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match the gift. Ms. Rachel (Rachel Accurso) pledged to match Macklemore’s $1 million, directing her contribution to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Background & Context
Macklemore’s remarks highlighted civilian casualties in Gaza and called for an end to the occupation, prompting backlash from pro-Israel groups and venue owners. Kraft, whose Gillette Stadium was slated for Sheeran’s September 25 shows, said Macklemore’s “recent actions” and a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric” made his presence unacceptable. Sheeran later said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, not by him personally.
Data & Statistics
- Macklemore’s pledged donation: $1 million.
- Kraft’s announced contribution: $2 million.
- Child deaths cited by activists: over 20,000 Palestinian children killed.
- Supporting acts that withdrew in solidarity: Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and folk band Beoga.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ms. Rachel wrote that “over 20,000 precious Palestinian children have been killed, and children continue to be killed every day,” emphasizing a “moral obligation” for privileged figures to protect children’s rights.
- Robert Kraft said he had committed $2 million to match Macklemore’s donation, though he did not specify which charities would receive the funds.
- Ed Sheeran posted that he does not use his professional platform for politics, noting his personal views on the conflict but asserting that the removal decision was driven by promoters and venue owners.
Criticism & Opposition
Pro-Israel organizations such as the Israeli-American Council demanded Macklemore’s dismissal, arguing his stage content constituted “anti-Israel propaganda.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Kraft’s $2 million pledge lacks detail on beneficiary organizations, and no public record confirms whether the donation has been finalized.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Over 20,000 precious Palestinian children have been killed, and children continue to be killed every day.” — Rachel Accurso
- “Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protection,” — Macklemore
What’s Next
Ed Sheeran’s “Loop” tour will proceed with the remaining U.S. dates, including the September 25 concerts at Gillette Stadium. The announced charitable contributions from Macklemore, Ms. Rachel, and Kraft remain pending implementation, and no further public statements have clarified the allocation of Kraft’s funds.