Robert Kraft says Ed Sheeran had already come calling with a multimillion-dollar request before Macklemore issued his public challenge.
The Gillette Stadium owner said yesterday that Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million to humanitarian aid in the region, hours before Macklemore invited Kraft to match his own $1 million pledge to organizations supporting Palestinians.
“I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting,” Kraft, 85, said in a statement shared by Gillette Stadium. He added that Sheeran planned to contact other venue owners in hopes of generating more aid.
The exchange comes after Macklemore, 43, was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks during a Sept. 4 performance at MetLife Stadium. Sheeran later said the tour promoter and venues made the decision, not him.
Macklemore subsequently said he would donate his $1 million in net tour earnings to six organizations supporting Palestinians, including Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine and Gaza Soup Kitchen.
“I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation,” Macklemore wrote, adding, “Palestinian lives are worth protecting.”
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial. pic.twitter.com/BOJ9xMoIZn
— Macklemore (@macklemore) September 7, 2026
Kraft’s response went beyond matching the figure Macklemore named. According to Kraft, Sheeran had asked him to commit twice that amount. Kraft also said he has supported programs bringing Palestinians and Israelis together through business, jobs and relationship-building efforts.
Fans are boycotting Sheeran, accusing him of throwing his former friend, Macklemore, under the bus, and of not publicly showing support for Palestine amid the backlash.