New England Revolution owner asked by Ed Sheeran for $2m aid donation

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FT Desk

Billionaire and New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft has been asked by Ed Sheeran to make a $2m aid donation to the Gaza region.

This week, rapper Macklemore was kicked off Sheeran's worldwide tour after shouting "Free Palestine" in the middle of his set.

That decision was made by Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium, which was set to host further Sheeran shows in the coming weeks.

He explained his reasoning in a statement which read:

“Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech. Based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line."

"This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real. But that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization whose horrific actions have caused immeasurable suffering for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

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"I agree with Macklemore. Too many lives have been lost and there has been too much suffering, but only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate... 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."

The Wall Street Journal confirmed that Kraft threatened to cancel all of Sheeran's performances at Gillette Stadium and that other venue owners did the same unless Macklemore was removed from the tour.

Macklemore subsequently said he would make a $1m aid donation to Palestinian organisations and challenged Kraft to match that bid.

Kraft eventually matched a $2m donation given by Sheeran. However, his donation is for overall aid in the region and not specifically for Palestinian organisations and charities.

"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," Kraft said on Wednesday.

"Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."

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Sheeran's statement

Sheeran looked to defend himself after the criticism that came his way after Macklemore was fired.

"I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine," the statement read.

"The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.

"After Macklemore's performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting. I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue's and promoter's decision was final.

"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.

"I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won't ever change. Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome.

"I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care. Nor does it mean I don't support causes in my own, personal way.

"There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics - my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.

"I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too."

Sheeran previously raised money for charitable causes linked to the war in Ukraine.

Following Macklemore's dismissal, every other musician involved with the tour – support acts Aaron Rowe, Irish folk band Beoga and US musician Finneas, as well as Sheeran's entire backing band- quit in solidarity.

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