Credit: Getty

New England Patriots owner and stadium owner Robert Kraft has announced that he’s making a $2 million donation to support the Palestinian people.

Kraft said in a statement that he received a phone call from Ed Sheeran this morning, asking him to “commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis.”

Kraft is involved in this controversy because he reportedly pressured Ed to remove Macklemore from his Loop Tour following the rapper’s comments on stage at recent New Jersey shows. The “Can’t Hold Us” singer gave a speech supporting the people of Palestine, which angered Jewish fans in the crowd and around the world.

1

Ed made the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour so that his tour could continue, but he has received immense backlash and all of his other supporting acts have dropped out of the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

Now, it looks like Sheeran and Kraft are trying to make amends.

Kraft claims that he decided to make the donation before Macklemore announced his own $1 million donation, along with a challenge to match it.

Robert Kraft’s statement about donation for Palestinian people

I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting. 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. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges. 

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.

Posted To:Ed Sheeran Macklemore Palestine Robert Kraft