Sheeran asks Kraft for $2 m aid amid NZ tour turmoil

UPDATE - follow-up to What to know about Sheeran's tour after Macklemore, support artists left - 1news.co.nz: Ed Sheeran asked stadium owner Robert Kraft to donate two million dollars in aid after the Macklemore backlash disrupted his New Zealand tour. The request came as the tour faced twelve days of chaos, with several support artists walking out and venues scrambling to manage the fallout. Kraft confirmed the conversation but said a decision on the donation has not been made yet. ## Mural Defacement The Ed Sheeran mural in Dunedin was spray‑painted with the words “Free Palestine,” adding visual fuel to the growing controversy. The graffiti appeared shortly after the tour turmoil and has been condemned by local officials as vandalism. The incident highlights how the musical tour has become a flashpoint for wider political debates in Aotearoa. ## Reactions Fans and critics alike have taken to social media, some praising Sheeran’s call for aid and others questioning the timing of the request. Organisers have pledged to keep shows running while addressing security concerns around public art. The situation remains fluid as both the donation request and the mural case are under review.