Ed Sheeran Tour Damage Control? $2M Pledge Follows Macklemore Axe and Mass Walkout by His Opening Acts

Ed Sheeran has pledged $2 million (roughly £1.5 million) towards humanitarian aid in the region as his Loop Tour reels from an escalating controversy over Macklemore's removal and the subsequent departure of its remaining support acts.

The timing has put fresh scrutiny on Sheeran's response to the fallout, although Robert Kraft says the British singer approached him about the donation before Macklemore publicly challenged the billionaire to contribute.

Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft Pledge $2M Each

Kraft, the New England Patriots owner whose company operates Gillette Stadium, announced that he and Sheeran would each commit $2 million towards humanitarian relief.

'Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis,' Kraft said.

Kraft added that Sheeran planned to approach other venue owners in an effort to raise further support. The statement did not specify which organisations would receive their money, and representatives for Sheeran and Kraft did not immediately provide Variety with further details.

Macklemore Donates $1M Ed Sheeran Tour Earnings

The announcement came as Macklemore pledged the entire $1 million (£748,000) in net earnings he received from Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians.

The rapper publicly invited Kraft to match his contribution, writing: 'Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting.'

His donation will support organisations including the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera.

Kraft's account of the timeline is significant because it indicates Sheeran had already approached him about the $2 million commitment before Macklemore issued his public challenge.

Macklemore Axe Sparks Ed Sheeran Tour Crisis

The controversy erupted after Macklemore used his 4 September performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to express support for Palestinians and declare 'Free Palestine.'

Kraft subsequently confirmed he had opposed Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper's 'recent actions' and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

Kraft also said his position was not intended to diminish Palestinian suffering or prevent advocacy on their behalf.

Sheeran later said removing Macklemore was not his decision, explaining that the rapper's contract was with the tour promoter.

'Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine,' Sheeran said, while explaining that he had personal views about the Israel-Palestine conflict despite choosing not to speak publicly about them.

Opening Acts Walk Out After Macklemore Removal

The fallout widened when Aaron Rowe, Finneas and Lukas Graham withdrew from their remaining appearances in solidarity with Macklemore. Beoga, the Irish group serving as Sheeran's touring band, also pulled out.

Finneas said artists 'must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,' while Rowe said he could not continue as normal after the controversy.

The withdrawals left Sheeran without his previously announced remaining support acts as the Loop Tour prepared to resume in Philadelphia on 19 September. All four acts, Finneas, Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga, have now withdrawn from the tour.

The $2 million pledge now adds another development to a dispute that has rapidly moved beyond Macklemore's original removal. Sheeran has framed his involvement around humanitarian assistance, while Kraft says the pair intend to encourage other venue owners to contribute as well.