Ed Sheeran is facing criticism from his cousin following Macklemore’s removal from his Loop Tour.
Jethro Sheeran, Ed’s first cousin and a musician who performs as Alonestar, criticised the singer in a social media post.
Jethro called Ed a “coward” and said he felt ashamed of his cousin over the controversy.
He also alleged that Ed played a personal role in Macklemore’s removal from the tour.
Jethro Accuses Ed of Removing Macklemore
Jethro claimed that Ed had personally pushed for Macklemore’s departure.
He described his cousin as “selfish” and accused him of acting in a calculated manner.
However, Jethro’s claims conflict with Ed Sheeran’s public explanation.
Ed has repeatedly said that the decision to remove Macklemore came from the tour promoter.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said in an Instagram statement.
He also explained that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than with him.
Macklemore’s Palestine Statements Triggered Dispute
The controversy followed Macklemore’s public support for Palestine during his tour performances.
The rapper wore a keffiyeh and called for a “Free Palestine” during performances at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5.
According to Sheeran, stadium owner Robert Kraft objected to what he described as “hate speech.”
Other venues reportedly threatened to withdraw from the tour if Macklemore remained part of the lineup.
Sheeran said he has personal views about the conflict but chooses not to discuss them publicly.
He also said his silence does not mean that he does not care about the issue.
Family Dispute Predates Macklemore Controversy
Jethro’s criticism also appears to stem from earlier disagreements with Ed Sheeran.
He alleged that Ed mistreated him after becoming successful.
Jethro also claimed that lawyers linked to Ed’s record label threatened legal action over a 2010 song.
The cousins had originally recorded Raise Em Up together.
Jethro later released a remix featuring Ed’s image and credits. He reportedly used the project to raise money for his daughter’s music career.
The latest comments have now brought an older family dispute into the wider controversy surrounding Macklemore’s departure from the tour.
