The stadium owner who reportedly played a role in removing Macklemore as Ed Sheeran’s opening act due to his pro-Palestinian statements on stage is now contributing $2 million to support the region. This decision followed Macklemore’s announcement of donating $1 million from his tour earnings to six organizations aiding Palestinians, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Kraft, the stadium owner, revealed that Sheeran had requested him to match a $2 million donation from Sheeran before Macklemore’s challenge.
Kraft emphasized his longstanding support for creating opportunities for Palestinians and fostering relationships between young Palestinians and Israelis. Macklemore, also known as Benjamin Hammond Haggery, had initially opened for Sheeran on the Loop Tour but was later dropped from the lineup after expressing solidarity with Palestinians during a performance at MetLife Stadium.
Macklemore’s removal from the tour was attributed to Kraft, who allegedly threatened to cancel concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill. In response, Sheeran defended his decision not to take a public stance on the issue, stating that the promoter’s decision led to Macklemore’s exit from the tour. Following these events, all remaining supporting acts for Sheeran quit the tour.
New opening acts, including Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, were slated to replace Macklemore for the remaining U.S. tour dates. Other artists expressed solidarity with Macklemore’s stance on supporting the oppressed and criticized attempts to silence voices speaking out on such issues. Sheeran has not publicly commented since the supporting acts departed, and there has been no response from his representative or the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group.