Robert Kraft revealed Ed Sheeran’s special aid request after backlash over Macklemore fallout.
According to CBS News, the billionaire stadium owner who allegedly led efforts to remove Macklemore as Ed Sheeran's opening act over his pro-Palestinian comments onstage is now donating $2 million US to "aid in the region."
The news came shortly after Macklemore announced plans Wednesday to donate $1 million US from his net earnings from the tour to six organizations helping Palestinians, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, and challenged Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft to do the same.
While Kraft did not specify in his statement where his funds would be going, and a spokesperson did not clarify, he said Sheeran had asked him to match a $2 million US donation from Sheeran "before Macklemore challenged me."
He also said that he wanted 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.
Benjamin Hammond Haggery, better known as Macklemore, opened for Sheeran for the first two US shows on the Loop Tour on September 4 and 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
He was slated to open for the remaining eight of Sheeran's 10 US shows, but announced in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday that he'd been dropped from the tour.
Macklemore's onstage remarks at MetLife, including chanting "Free Palestine" and expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, drew criticism from pro-Israel groups, including a petition calling for his removal.
