Robert Kraft Pledges $2 Million in 'Aid to the Region' After Macklemore Fia

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Wednesday that he is matching a $2 million donation from Ed Sheeran for humanitarian aid, following a dispute with rapper Macklemore over Palestinian advocacy.

In a statement posted on Gillette Stadium's X account, Kraft said he believes deeply that "all lives are worth protecting." He said Sheeran had called him earlier in the day, before Macklemore publicly challenged him, and asked him to commit $2 million to match Sheeran's own donation for aid in the region. Kraft added that Sheeran plans to reach out to other venue owners, and that the two aim to continue working together to build bridges.

Kraft also said that for decades he has supported efforts that create opportunities for Palestinians and bring young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs and form relationships. He did not specify when the funds would be committed or which organizations would receive them.

The announcement came hours after Macklemore said he would donate the $1 million in net earnings from Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians, and challenged Kraft to match it.

The dispute began after Macklemore, who has spoken about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for years, declared "Free Palestine" at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4 before performing "Hind's Hall," a song critical of the Israeli military. The following night, facing backlash, he addressed his "Jewish brothers and sisters" from the same stage and said criticism of Israel was not criticism of them.

On Monday, the company promoting Sheeran's tour announced that Macklemore would be dropped after several venues told Sheeran they would not host the shows if he remained on the bill. Macklemore said Kraft had demanded his removal over his statements about Palestine. Pro-Israel groups had criticized his MetLife performance.