A stadium owner, alleged to have played a role in removing Macklemore as Ed Sheeran’s opening act due to his pro-Palestinian remarks, has pledged $2 million for aid in the region. The announcement followed Macklemore’s decision to donate $1 million from his tour earnings to organizations supporting Palestinians. Although the owner, Robert Kraft, did not specify the recipients of his donation, he mentioned that Sheeran had urged him to match a $2 million contribution 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, initially opened for Sheeran on the U.S. tour but was later dropped following his onstage statements in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Macklemore accused Kraft of orchestrating his removal by pressuring other stadium owners to threaten concert cancellations if Macklemore remained on the lineup. Sheeran, in response, clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not himself. Subsequently, all remaining supporting acts on the tour withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore.
The tour’s Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe were set to replace Macklemore as openers, with Finneas and Beoga also scheduled for upcoming performances. Finneas emphasized the importance of artists speaking out for the oppressed, while Graham criticized the notion that financial status should dictate who can voice opinions on global issues.
As the situation unfolds, Sheeran has not addressed the departure of supporting acts, and his representative and the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, have not responded to requests for comments.
