Updated at 5:00 PM PST: Robert Craft responded! Not only did he match Macklemore’s donation, he doubled it! But he said it wasn’t because of Macklemore…it was actually because Ed Sheeran asked him to do it! In a statement to the press, he said:
“I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I deeply believe that all life is worth protecting. Earlier today, before Macklemore asked me to donate his donation, Ed called me to ask me to commit $2 million to match his donation to assist the region in responding to this humanitarian crisis.
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This is a huge donation!
Macklemore announced Wednesday that he would donate $1 million Ed Sheeran Tour proceeds donated to Palestinian relief efforts — he calls on billionaires Robert Kraft Let’s match it! !
If you need a refresher on why this is important, let us connect with you…
A few weeks ago, Macklemore shared his support for the Palestinian people while performing on Ed Sheeran’s In the Ring tour. The performance sparked debate and controversy. even pink Joined the conversation.
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On Monday of this week, it was officially announced that the rapper would be quitting the tour. McLemore released a lengthy statement explaining what happened behind the scenes, claiming new england patriots Owner Robert Kraft was the driving force behind his dismissal. He also criticized those who take a “neutral” stance, saying “refusing to take a side does not put you in the middle.”
That afternoon, Robert Kraft issued a response defending his decision not to let McLemore into his stadium. The next day, Ed issued a statement of his own, hoping to clear up some points. Over the next few hours, however, all his acts of support—including billie eilishbrother Finneas — Withdrew in solidarity with McLemore.
Now, on Wednesday, Macklemore released a second statement. He began by bringing the focus back to the Palestinian people, writing:
“In light of everything that has happened in the past 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, who are still living under military occupation, who are still fighting for their freedom.”
Then he made a big promise:
“I will donate the entire $1 million in net proceeds from the Ed Sheeran Loop Tour to six organizations that directly support the Palestinian people.”
$1 million in relief is huge. Here’s where it has a chance to have an even bigger impact… Macklemore then directly challenged Robert Craft to match his donation:
“I invite Robert Craft to donate my donation as well. Whatever our differences, perhaps we can all agree: Palestinian life is worth protecting. Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on earth.”
Read Macklemore’s full statement (below):
idea? ? Do you think Mr. Kraft will respond?
Let us know in the comments (below)!
[Image via MEGA/WENN]