A wealthy owner of a stadium, who reportedly played a key role in removing Macklemore as the opening act for Ed Sheeran due to his pro-Palestinian statements during a performance, has pledged a $2 million donation to support the region. This announcement followed Macklemore’s declaration of donating $1 million from his tour earnings to aid Palestinians through various organizations, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The stadium owner, Robert Kraft, revealed that Sheeran had requested him to match a $2 million donation made by Sheeran before Macklemore’s challenge.
Kraft emphasized his longstanding support for initiatives that promote opportunities for Palestinians and foster relationships between young Palestinians and Israelis for economic development. Macklemore, also known as Benjamin Hammond Haggery, had initially opened for Sheeran on the Loop Tour’s first two U.S. shows but was later removed from the lineup following his vocal solidarity with Palestinians during a performance, which sparked backlash from pro-Israel groups.
Macklemore accused Kraft of orchestrating his removal and influencing other stadium owners to threaten concert cancellations if he remained on the tour. In response, Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not himself. Consequently, all remaining supporting acts for Sheeran chose to quit the tour in solidarity.
The tour lineup changes included Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe replacing Macklemore as opening acts for Sheeran’s remaining U.S. tour dates. Finneas, an American singer and collaborator of Billie Eilish, was scheduled to open for Sheeran during his South American performances. Beoga, an Irish folk band, had been part of Sheeran’s set since the tour’s inception in New Zealand.
Amid the controversy, Finneas emphasized the importance of artists speaking out for the oppressed and criticized attempts to silence them based on financial power. Sheeran has not commented publicly since the supporting acts’ departure, and his representative has not responded to requests for statements. The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, has also remained silent on the matter.