Ms Rachel to match Macklemore's $1 million pledge for Palestinian aid
Ms Rachel said on Sept. 17 she will match Macklemore's $1 million pledge to organisations supporting Palestinians.
The children's entertainer announced the commitment on Instagram, Billboard reported. The money will go to the same cause Macklemore named this week.
Macklemore has pledged his entire $1 million in net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organisations helping Palestinians. Net earnings means his pay after tour costs are taken out. He announced the pledge on Wednesday, WLFI reported.
The pledge set off a chain of challenges. Macklemore publicly challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation. Kraft then confirmed he would provide matching funds after Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million toward humanitarian aid in the region.
Sheeran has made a $2 million donation for Gaza humanitarian aid, The Hill reported. That donation sits alongside Macklemore's pledge and the matching offers.
Ms Rachel also called on wealthy white celebrities to match the $1 million and to speak out on Gaza. Her message named the group directly and urged public support. It added a high-profile voice from children's entertainment to a dispute centred on music touring.
The dispute began on stage. Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour after voicing support for Palestinians during Sept. 4 and 5 performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The stadium shows were part of Sheeran's scheduled U.S. run.
Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by organisers, not by him, Reuters reported. He addressed the removal after the MetLife dates. His account separates his own position from the tour's booking decision.
Four other acts have since stepped away from the remaining dates. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga withdrew following Macklemore's removal. Their exits leave several support slots empty.
For fans holding tickets, this means a changed lineup for the rest of the U.S. leg. The donations will move separately from the tour itself.
