Key facts
- YouTube star Ms Rachel pledged to match Macklemore's $1 million donation to Palestinian aid.
- Ms Rachel's donation will go to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
- Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour for his "Free Palestine" remarks.
- Over 20,000 Palestinian children have reportedly been killed in the conflict.
Children's YouTube entertainer Ms Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Griffin-Accurso, announced on Thursday that she will match rapper Macklemore's $1 million donation to Palestinian aid organizations. Accurso, a global ambassador for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, called on other wealthy public figures to use their platforms to speak out against the "genocide in Gaza" and protect children's human rights.
Macklemore had pledged to donate the net proceeds from his performances on Ed Sheeran's US tour after being removed as an opening act for his "Free Palestine" statements and condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza. Accurso stated that over 20,000 Palestinian children have been killed and that her donation would specifically support the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
Ed Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by stadium owners, including Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots. Both Kraft and Sheeran are each donating $2 million to Palestinian relief funds, though the specific organizations were not disclosed. Four other supporting acts, including singer Finneas and the band Lukas Graham, subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.