Robert Kraft says he and Ed Sheeran are committing millions of dollars toward humanitarian relief in the Middle East and want to "build bridges" as the fallout from Macklemore'sremoval from Sheeran's tour continues.
In a statement shared Wednesday, Sept. 16, by Gillette Stadium, Kraft said Sheeran contacted him before Macklemore publicly challenged the New England Patriots owner to match his $1 million donation to organizations supporting Palestinians.
"I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting," Kraft began his statement. Kraft said Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million to match the singer's own donation "to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis."
The statement indicates that Sheeran and Kraft each committed $2 million, though it did not identify the organizations that would receive the money.
"Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners," Kraft said, adding that their "goal is to continue to work together to build bridges." Sheeran is yet to comment on whether there has been further discussion about future donations in collaboration with other venue owners or his efforts relating to the cause.
USA TODAY has reached out to Sheeran's reps for further comment.
"In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships," Kraft said to conclude his statement.
The pledge marks the latest development in a controversy that began after Macklemore voiced support for Palestinians while opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
What did Macklemore say?
The controversy began after Macklemore delivered a pro-Palestinian speech while opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4. Before performing his song "Hind's Hall," the rapper criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and declared "Free Palestine," prompting calls for his removal from the remaining tour dates.
Macklemore later announced on Instagram that he had been dropped from the tour. He said Sheeran told him that Kraft had opposed his scheduled appearances at Gillette Stadium and had gained support from other venue owners. Macklemore said he and Sheeran had several "difficult conversations" about the decision but maintained that his support for Palestinians would not change.
Kraft confirmed that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform at Gillette Stadium, citing material presented during his MetLife appearances and what Kraft described as a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Sheeran subsequently said Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision, not his. Opening acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Sheeran's backing band, Beoga, have since withdrawn from the remaining tour dates.
In his latest statement posted to Instagram, Macklemore said he would donate the entire $1 million in net earnings he received from Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians.
The money will be divided among the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera.
"And I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation," Macklemore wrote. "Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting."
The rapper said the dispute should not center on him, the tour or the ensuing headlines. Instead, he said, attention should remain on Palestinians and their right to freedom, safety and dignity.
"I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts, because ultimately our goal is the same – peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate," Kraft previously said.
Contributors: Nate Davis, KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft hope to 'build bridges' after Macklemore tour exit
