Macklemore Pledges $1 Million to Palestinian Aid Groups After Tour Removal

American rapper Macklemore announced Wednesday he will donate $1 million, representing his tour profits from Ed Sheeran's "+-" tour, to organizations supporting Palestinians. He also challenged billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, to match the donation.

Macklemore's decision follows his removal from Sheeran's tour earlier this week. This action was reportedly due to a political speech he gave in September at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he called for "Free Palestine." The rapper claimed Kraft pressured stadium owners to prevent him from performing.

Macklemore stated in a social media post that the funds will be distributed to seven aid organizations, including the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), Heal Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), UNRWA USA, and Anera. "I want to bring the conversation back to the Palestinian people," Macklemore wrote. "Palestinian lives are worthy of protection, and their value is no less than any other life on Earth."

Ed Sheeran released a statement clarifying he was not involved in Macklemore's removal and prefers to remain neutral on political issues. In solidarity with Macklemore, all other opening acts on the tour, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and the band Beoga, withdrew from the remaining shows.