Key facts
- YouTube star Ms Rachel will match Macklemore's $1 million donation to Palestinian aid organizations.
- 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.
- Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft are each donating $2 million to Palestinian relief funds.
YouTube star Ms Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Accurso, has announced she will match rapper Macklemore's $1 million donation to organizations supporting Palestinians. Accurso, a children's entertainer with over 21 million YouTube subscribers, called on other public figures to use their privilege and platforms to protect children and human rights.
Macklemore had pledged to donate the entirety of his earnings from Ed Sheeran's tour after being fired as an opening act for saying "Free Palestine" on stage at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Accurso stated that over 20,000 Palestinian children have been killed and that her donation would go to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
Macklemore's remarks at a September 4 concert prompted criticism from Israel-aligned groups, including singer Pink, who referenced a past incident where Macklemore wore a costume criticized as a Jewish caricature. Macklemore apologized for the costume in 2014. He later addressed Jewish audience members, stating that criticism of Israel or apartheid is not a criticism of them and that his message is for peace and equality.
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 donating $2 million each to Palestinian relief funds, though the specific organizations were not disclosed. Four supporting acts, including singer Finneas and the band Lukas Graham, have quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.