By SCM International Desk I Thursday, Sept 16,;2026
NEW YORK — The Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore announced on Wednesday that he will donate his entire $1 million in net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s North American “Loop Tour” to six organizations providing aid to Palestinians and relief in Gaza.
The pledge follows his high-profile removal from the remaining dates of Mr. Sheeran’s stadium tour over onstage political statements supporting Palestinians. In a lengthy public statement, Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty, also issued a direct challenge to billionaire Robert Kraft—the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium—to match his $1 million contribution.
”With everything that has happened over the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom,” Mr. Haggerty wrote.
The six organizations selected to split the funds include the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA, and American Near East Refugee Aid.
Ouster From the Stadium Circuit
The donation marks the latest escalation in a bitter clash over political expression within the live entertainment industry.
The controversy erupted following Mr. Haggerty’s opening performances for Mr. Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., earlier this month.
During his set, the rapper repeatedly shouted “Free Palestine,” displayed images of destruction in Gaza, and performed his pro-Palestinian protest anthem, “Hind’s Hall”. He addressed the stadium audience, declaring that a primary reason he joined the tour was to utilize the massive platform to signal solidarity with people in Gaza and the West Bank.
The performance drew immediate backlash from several pro-Israel groups. The Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding his removal, while advocacy group StopAntisemitism accused the musician of ambushing fans with political propaganda.
By Monday, concert promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that venue operators had refused to let Mr. Haggerty perform, resulting in his removal from the remaining eight support dates.
According to Mr. Haggerty, the decision followed pressure from Mr. Kraft, who reportedly informed Mr. Sheeran that the rapper would be banned from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and rallied other venue operators to issue a collective ultimatum. Mr. Kraft later confirmed blocking the rapper from Gillette Stadium, stating that while he recognized Palestinian suffering, advocacy “should not come at the expense of the Jewish community”.
In response to Mr. Haggerty’s public challenge, a spokesperson for Gillette Stadium issued a statement on behalf of Mr. Kraft, claiming Mr. Sheeran had subsequently reached out to ask Mr. Kraft to commit $2 million toward regional humanitarian aid. Mr. Kraft stated he plans to work alongside venue operators to “build bridges”.
A Legacy of High-Profile Activism
Mr. Haggerty’s stance on the Middle East aligns with a long-standing history of political engagement throughout his career.
The Seattle-based artist gained global prominence alongside producer Ryan Lewis with their multi-platinum 2012 album, The Heist, which produced chart-topping singles like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” as well as “Same Love,” an anthem supporting marriage equality.
In recent years, Mr. Haggerty has increasingly funneled his platform into anti-war and social justice causes. In May, he released “Hind’s Hall”—named after Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza—in support of student encampments protesting the war on college campuses across the United States. Proceeds from that track were similarly directed to UNRWA.
Despite the fallout—which saw all remaining opening acts on the Loop Tour withdraw in solidarity with Mr. Haggerty—the rapper signaled no regret regarding his venue removal.
”Writing a check for me is one of the least costly forms of solidarity available to me,” Mr. Haggerty wrote. “If those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”
