Macklemore Pledges $1 Million in Tour Earnings to Palestinian Aid

American rapper Macklemore announced on Wednesday that he will donate his entire net earnings, estimated at $1 million, from his performances on Ed Sheeran's "+-" tour to organizations supporting Palestinians and providing humanitarian aid in Gaza. The decision comes after Macklemore was removed from the tour's lineup following pro-Palestinian statements he made during his opening sets.

In an Instagram post, Macklemore stated his intention to redirect the focus back to the Palestinian people, highlighting their ongoing struggle under military occupation and their fight for freedom. He specifically named six organizations that will receive the funds, all working directly to support the Palestinian cause.

Macklemore also issued a challenge to Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, who was involved in the decision to remove him from the tour. Macklemore invited Kraft to match his donation, suggesting that despite their disagreements, they could agree on the principle that Palestinian lives deserve protection.

The controversy began earlier this month when Macklemore voiced support for Palestine, including calls for "Free Palestine," during his opening performances for Sheeran in New Jersey. This led to increased pressure to remove him from the remainder of the tour. Sheeran clarified that the decision was not his own, but rather made by the tour promoters who cited potential cancellations by venues if Macklemore continued to perform.

Kraft, in defense of his decision regarding Gillette Stadium, cited Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" which he deemed offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. The situation also prompted other opening acts, including Pharell Williams, Lukas Graham, and the band Beoga, to withdraw from the remainder of the tour in solidarity.