Taking sides? Ed Sheeran asked to donate millions of dollars to Palestinians

Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft revealed that international singer Ed Sheeran requested a $2 million donation for humanitarian aid in the region, following rapper Macklemore's announcement that he would donate $1 million from his earnings to Palestinian aid organizations. Sheeran, who consistently avoids political involvement, tried to distance himself from the controversy.

Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft revealed that international singer Ed Sheeran requested a $2 million donation for humanitarian aid in the region, as part of addressing the humanitarian crisis. The disclosure comes after pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore announced he would donate all his earnings, about $1 million, from Sheeran's tour to six Palestinian aid organizations. Kraft, who removed Macklemore from the opening act list, posted a statement on the stadium's X account that garnered millions of views. Sheeran, who consistently avoids political engagement, tried to distance himself from the decision and emphasized that Macklemore's contract was signed with the promoter, not with him. According to him, ticket buyers do not expect a political forum. Other opening acts, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, withdrew from the tour in protest of Macklemore's removal.