Ed Sheeran’s Cousin Calls Him A ‘Coward’ In Blunt Public Attack

Ed Sheeran is facing criticism from inside his own family as backlash continues over Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s Loop Tour. Sheeran’s cousin, British musician Jethro Sheeran, publicly condemned the “Shape of You” singer and accused him of behaving selfishly toward both his relatives and fellow artists.

Jethro, who performs professionally under the name Alonestar, also claimed that Ed was personally responsible for Macklemore’s departure. However, Ed has maintained that the tour’s promoters and participating venues made the decision.

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Jethro addressed the controversy in an Instagram post shared on Thursday, September 17. “Finally it’s all coming out! I’m ashamed of my Cousin Ed,” Jethro wrote. “Finally the world and all his fans see through him. He’s not a good person, I don’t like his music so I can’t say he’s even a good artist.”

Jethro is the son of John Sheeran, Sheeran’s father’s brother. In addition to criticizing his cousin’s handling of the tour controversy, he made several personal allegations about their relationship. “He’s honestly a selfish individual with malicious, cunning ways. ‘He kills you with kindness’ (His Words) I’m his first blood cousin and he screwed me over, made fun of my mental health and mental health in general,” Jethro continued.

Jethro Sheeran Claims He Helped Launch His Cousin’s Career

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Jethro also alleged that he supported Sheeran early in his music career but later felt mistreated professionally and financially. “He is shady and he’s dropped Macklemore himself I believe 100% he’s a coward,” Jethro claimed.

“In my opinion, he’s a bad human. Just my opinion from my experiences. I’ve known him all my life and started him in music, took him on my stage,” he added. “Took him to my first studio, rapped on his early songs, and did all I could to help him. Even when he was bullied at school. He only cared about himself, and he puts out fake narrative[s] that are calculated just to keep everyone happy so he can do big private gigs and keep brand deals.”

Jethro concluded his message by distancing the rest of the Sheeran family from his cousin. “That’s my honest opinion, and I’m family!! He’s not a true Sheeran! Don’t hate on a Sheeran because of this silly little boy.”

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The family dispute emerged amid growing controversy surrounding Macklemore’s departure from the Loop Tour. Macklemore performed as one of Ed’s opening acts during two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his sets, the rapper chanted “Free Palestine” and performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall.”

The rapper was subsequently removed from eight remaining tour dates. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group later said several venues indicated they would not host the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

Macklemore addressed his removal in a statement shared on September 14. “Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from the Loop Tour. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim,” he wrote. “We have careers, money, opportunities, safety, and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.”

Ed Sheeran Says Removing Macklemore Was Not His Decision

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Despite his cousin’s allegation, Sheeran has insisted that he did not personally remove Macklemore. The singer said the tour promoter and venues made the decision, adding that he spent days trying to resolve the conflict. PEOPLE reported that Sheeran tried to mediate between the parties while continuing with the tour because fans, crew members and other workers depended on the scheduled concerts.

The fallout intensified when several scheduled opening acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga were among the performers who exited.

Ed’s touring band also reportedly stepped away, leaving the Grammy winner to perform without his usual group during his Philadelphia concert.

The Singer Apologized During His Philadelphia Concert

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Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy from the stage at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, September 19. “Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran told the audience. “I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky. A lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I’m surprised. I’m not surprised that I’ve even done it. You know, it’s normal.”

The artist acknowledged that the latest criticism involved issues far more serious than reactions to his music. “This week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take [it in] and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” the singer added.

Sheeran also described the treatment of civilians in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable” while condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. He expressed concern about concert venues policing the content of artists’ performances and said he was continuing to learn about the conflict.