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Patriots owner Robert Kraft pledges $2 million to Palestinian region at Ed Sheeran's request

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has committed $2 million toward humanitarian assistance in Gaza following an appeal from musician Ed Sheeran. The pledge comes amid widespread public discussion after Kraft refused to allow rapper Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium due to Macklemore's public commentary supporting Palestinian liberation during an earlier tour appearance.

While Macklemore reported being dismissed from Sheeran's tour in the aftermath, Kraft publicly denied coercing the singer into making that roster change, emphasizing that he opposes anti-Jewish hatred.

Sheeran released a statement noting he conducted personal discussions with Kraft to navigate the tour dispute. S.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who challenged NFL franchise owners regarding their authority over performers' political expression.