A billionaire stadium owner reportedly orchestrated the removal of Macklemore as Ed Sheeran’s opening act due to his pro-Palestinian remarks during a performance. The stadium owner, Robert Kraft, has now pledged a $2 million donation to support initiatives in the region.
This announcement followed Macklemore’s decision to donate $1 million from his tour earnings to six organizations aiding Palestinians, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Kraft revealed that Sheeran had asked him to match a $2 million donation before Macklemore’s challenge.
Kraft emphasized his longstanding support for initiatives benefiting Palestinians and fostering relationships between young Palestinians and Israelis. Macklemore, also known as Benjamin Hammond Haggery, was dropped from the tour after his on-stage comments supporting Palestine drew criticism from pro-Israel groups.
Macklemore accused Kraft of influencing his removal and claimed that other stadium owners threatened to cancel concerts if he stayed on the tour. Sheeran defended his decision not to take a public stance on the issue. Following Macklemore’s departure, all remaining supporting acts chose to quit the tour.
New opening acts, including the Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe, were scheduled to replace Macklemore. Finneas, an American singer, expressed solidarity with Macklemore, emphasizing the importance of artists speaking out for the oppressed.
Sheeran has not commented on the situation since the supporting acts left the tour, and neither he nor the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, has responded to requests for comment.
