Macklemore performing on stage during a concert tour stop
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Macklemore Donates $1M In Ed Sheeran Tour Earnings To Palestinian Relief Following Tour Firing

The rapper is handing over his entire paycheck from The Loop Tour after being removed from the lineup over his political advocacy.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

Macklemore is turning his recent concert drama into a massive charitable gesture. The Seattle rapper revealed in a new statement that he is directing $1 million of his earnings from Ed Sheeran's massive stadium run, titled The Loop Tour, straight to organizations supporting Palestinian aid and human rights efforts. The high-profile pledge follows a turbulent sequence of events on the road. Reports show that Macklemore was officially dropped from the concert lineup on Monday, September 14. The decision to cut the hip-hop star came as a direct response to his ongoing advocacy for the Palestinian cause.

Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour?

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The choice to remove Macklemore from the tour roster triggered an immediate wave of controversy. Addressing the situation shortly after the news broke, headlining act Ed Sheeran released a public statement clarifying his role in the decision. Sheeran asserted that he was "not complicit" in the move, explaining that the call to drop the rapper was made strictly by the tour's concert promoters. Despite Sheeran's attempt to distance himself from the firing, the decision sparked swift pushback from the rest of the touring crew. In an impressive display of unity, Sheeran's remaining opening acts and members of his backing band immediately quit the tour. The musicians walked away from their spots on the high-profile run to show solidarity with Macklemore and the Palestinian people.

Macklemore Speaks Out on Global Conflicts and ICE During First Gig Since Ed Sheeran Tour Exit
Macklemore Speaks Out on Global Conflicts and ICE During First Gig Since Ed Sheeran Tour Exit

How is Macklemore spending his tour paycheck?

Rather than letting the firing derail his message, Macklemore took to social media with a major announcement regarding his paycheck. The rapper confirmed that he is donating the entire $1 million he earned from his time performing on The Loop Tour to verified organizations dedicated to helping Palestine. Macklemore's decision to donate his full tour earnings marks a bold statement in an industry where stars often face commercial pushback over political stances. By converting his performance fees into direct relief funds, the artist is ensuring that his stint on the road leaves a lasting impact far beyond the stage. With the tour's backing musicians and opening talent officially resigned, it remains unclear how future stops on The Loop Tour will be handled by promoters. Meanwhile, Macklemore's $1 million gesture continues to draw massive reaction from fans and fellow artists across the entertainment landscape.

The photos · 5

Macklemore performing on stage during a concert tour stop
Greta Thunberg, Paloma Faith and Nemahsis join Macklemore at London ‘Free Palestine’ tour finale
Macklemore Speaks Out on Global Conflicts and ICE During First Gig Since Ed Sheeran Tour Exit
Macklemore in the story: Macklemore Speaks Out on Global Conflicts and ICE During First Gig Since Ed Sheeran Tour Exit
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 19: American rapper Macklemore performs live on stage during the 5th Lollapalooza Paris Festival on July 19, 2025 in Paris, France.

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Macklemore: Chart Wins, Public Apologies and Palestinian Advocacy

The Seattle rapper builds his name outside the major-label system, faces scrutiny over race and representation, and makes support for Palestinians a focus of his music and public life.

  1. Rehab marks a personal turning point

    Macklemore — Rehab marks a personal turning point

    Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty, enters rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. Recovery becomes a recurring subject in his music and public advocacy, rather than a chapter he keeps offstage.

  2. The Heist breaks through

    Macklemore — The Heist breaks through

    Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis independently release The Heist. Its singles Thrift Shop and Can't Hold Us both reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013, while Same Love, featuring Mary Lambert, puts support for same-sex marriage at the center of their breakthrough.

  3. 2014-01-26Flashpoint

    Grammy wins trigger a reckoning

    Macklemore — Grammy wins trigger a reckoning

    Macklemore and Ryan Lewis win four Grammys, including best new artist and best rap album. After The Heist beats Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city, Macklemore publicly shares a text telling Lamar he deserved the rap-album award. The result—and the public apology—fuel debate about race and recognition in hip-hop.

  4. 2014-05Flashpoint

    A stage costume brings an apology

    A Seattle performance in a wig, fake beard and prosthetic nose draws criticism that Macklemore is presenting an antisemitic caricature. He apologizes and says the costume was not intended to depict a Jewish person.

  5. 2023-11-04Flashpoint

    He joins the march for Gaza

    Macklemore — He joins the march for Gaza

    Macklemore addresses a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Washington, D.C., calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and describing Israel's actions as genocide. His appearance places him among the musicians publicly challenging the war and U.S. support for Israel.

  6. 2024-05Flashpoint

    Hind's Hall turns advocacy into music

    Macklemore — Hind's Hall turns advocacy into music

    Macklemore releases Hind's Hall, supporting pro-Palestinian student protesters and criticizing President Joe Biden's support for Israel. The title references the name protesters give Columbia University's occupied Hamilton Hall in memory of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child killed in Gaza. He pledges the song's streaming proceeds to UNRWA.

  7. 2024-09Flashpoint

    A Seattle remark precedes a festival exit

    At the Palestine Will Live Forever benefit in Seattle, Macklemore directs profanity at America from the stage. Days later, Las Vegas's Neon City Festival removes him from its November lineup. Organizers cite unforeseen circumstances without publicly identifying the remark as the reason.

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People also ask

Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour?
Macklemore was dropped from The Loop Tour on September 14 due to his vocal advocacy for Palestine, a decision Ed Sheeran stated was made by concert promoters.
How much is Macklemore donating to Palestine?
Macklemore announced he is donating $1 million in earnings from his performances on Ed Sheeran's tour to Palestinian organizations.
Did Ed Sheeran's band quit the tour?
Yes, Sheeran's backing band and remaining opening acts resigned from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinian people.