# Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran Middle East aid pledges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/robert-kraft-and-ed-sheeran-middle-east-aid-pledges
> Updated: 2026-09-17T16:12:41.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Following controversy surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s US tour due to pro-Palestinian statements, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pledged $2 million toward humanitarian aid in the Middle East. Kraft characterized Macklemore’s statements as hate speech, while Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the coordination among stadium owners to remove the artist as an “abuse of power.”

Macklemore had previously challenged Kraft to match a $1 million donation to pro-Palestinian organizations. Kraft noted that Sheeran had privately requested the $2 million commitment to address the regional humanitarian crisis, intended to match Sheeran’s own philanthropic efforts.

Subsequently, Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft have donated a combined $4 million toward humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft donate $4 million for Gaza aid

Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft donate $4 million for Gaza humanitarian aid, while Slovakia prepares for unseasonably warm weather.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virgo-daily-horoscope-for-september-18-2026

### 2026-09-16: Robert Kraft pledges $2M for Middle East aid amid tour controversy

Robert Kraft pledged $2 million for Middle East humanitarian aid following controversy over Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour and calls for charitable matching.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-kraft-pledges-2m-to-middle-east-aid-following-macklemore-controversy

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Cite as: Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran Middle East aid pledges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/robert-kraft-and-ed-sheeran-middle-east-aid-pledges