Ms. Rachel has announced that she will match Macklemore’s $1 million donation to organizations supporting Palestinians, adding another major development to the controversy surrounding the rapper’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour.
The children’s entertainer, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, announced the pledge on Instagram on September 17. She said the money will go to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, where she is an ambassador.
Accurso also called on other wealthy celebrities to make similar donations. In her statement, she said she believed public figures have a responsibility to use their platforms and resources to support children and human rights. Those comments reflect Accurso’s own position.
Her announcement came one day after Macklemore said he would donate his entire $1 million in earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organizations working to support Palestinians. Macklemore also challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his contribution.
The donations follow a dispute over Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour after the rapper publicly voiced support for Palestinians during a performance. Sheeran later said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by tour promoters after venues raised concerns, rather than by Sheeran personally.
The controversy has continued to grow as several musicians associated with the tour withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore. Kraft later announced a separate $2 million commitment toward humanitarian aid in the region, while Sheeran has also pledged $2 million.
Ms. Rachel’s donation places her among the latest entertainers to publicly respond to the dispute through charitable giving. Her announcement also increases the amount of attention surrounding the issue beyond Macklemore’s original tour controversy.
The donations and public statements are part of an ongoing debate among celebrities and artists over how they should respond to the humanitarian situation involving Palestinians. The individuals involved have expressed different views about the conflict, the tour dispute and how best to provide aid.