Rapper Macklemore to donate $1 million to aid Palestinians — Anadolu Agency
In the United States, American rapper Macklemore said he would donate $1 million in net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop tour to six organizations that directly support Palestinians. Anadolu Agency reports.
Appeal to Robert Kraft
Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, also called on billionaire and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match the donation with the same amount. The rapper said that, despite disagreements, Palestinian lives are worth protecting.
Kraft confirmed that he had pressured Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour. The rapper was also banned from performing at Gillette Stadium, which is owned by the Patriots. Kraft explained his position by saying that Macklemore had previously used antisemitic rhetoric and insults.
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Removal from Sheeran’s tour
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s U.S. tour after he shouted “Free Palestine!” from the stage and performed the protest song Hind's Hall at a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
According to the rapper, Sheeran, whom he called a friend of 13 years, informed him of a boycott organized by Kraft among other stadium owners if Macklemore was not removed from the tour. Sheeran himself said that the decision was made by concert venues and promoters, not by him personally. He also noted that he has his own position on the devastating conflict but does not want to turn his platform into a political forum.
Macklemore said that the donation was not connected to him personally or to the dispute surrounding the tour. In his statement, he also mentioned Palestinian teenager Muhammad al-Zinati, who, according to the rapper, was killed in an Israeli strike while rushing to help an injured person.
