Ms Rachel matches Macklemore with $1m donation for Palestinian children

Submitted by MEE staff on Fri, 09/18/2026 - 11:19 Contribution follows American rapper’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after voicing his support for Palestine

Rachel Griffin-Accurso, known as Ms Rachel, pictured in 2025 (Getty Images via AFP) Off

Children’s YouTube creator Ms Rachel will donate $1m to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, matching the American rapper Macklemore’s contribution and calling on other wealthy public figures to follow his lead.

Rachel Griffin-Accurso made the pledge on Instagram on Thursday, after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour following his “Free Palestine” comments and condemnation of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

“I’ll match Macklemore’s donation and I invite every wealthy white celebrity to match it and speak out against the genocide in Gaza,” she wrote.

“Over 20,000 precious Palestinian children have been killed and children continue to be killed every day. We’ve a moral obligation to use our privilege and platforms to protect children and human rights.”

Accurso joined the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund as a global ambassador in 2025, building on earlier fundraising support for the organisation.

Her advocacy has also included using her online platform to support Palestinian children, meeting Rahaf, a young survivor of the war, and raising funds in 2024 through Save the Children for children affected by conflict.

Macklemore, born Benjamin Haggerty, replied to Accurso: “Wow. Love you so much.”

On Wednesday, he committed $1m from the net proceeds of his performances on Sheeran’s tour to groups supporting Palestinians.

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“With everything that has happened over the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs,” Macklemore wrote in a statement on Instagram, “to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom.”

“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this,” he added, “Palestinian lives are worth protecting.”

Sheeran’s tour removed Macklemore after his 4 and 5 September performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. On stage, he addressed Israel’s war on Gaza, said “Free Palestine” and performed “Hind’s Hall”, his protest song.

Macklemore later said the New England Patriots owner and pro-Israel businessman Robert Kraft orchestrated the decision.

Every other support act subsequently withdrew from the tour. Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, Finneas and Beoga announced their departures within about an hour of one another on Tuesday.

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