Ed Sheeran responds to estranged cousin Jethro’s jabs amid Macklemore controversy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ed Sheeran briefly addressed his estranged cousin, Jethro Sheeran, and his public remarks against him following the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech.
The Grammy winner spoke about the situation during his Loop Tour stop at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, October 3. He avoided mentioning Jethro by name but acknowledged their distant relationship.
Ed Sheeran briefly addresses Jethro Sheeran’s remarks
“You might have seen [my relative] recently on social media,” Ed told audience members, according to a social media video. The 'Perfect' singer explained that he had not “spoken” to his cousin “in a very long time.”
Jethro has repeatedly criticized Ed since Macklemore was dropped as an opener from the Loop Tour following his “Free Palestine” speech during the New Jersey show at MetLife Stadium in early September. Jethro called Ed “selfish” and “malicious” in an Instagram rant shortly after the news emerged.
“Finally it’s all coming out!” Jethro wrote before adding, “I’m ashamed of my cousin Ed he’s done. 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 described himself as the 'Thinking Out Loud' singer’s “first blood cousin” and claimed Ed had “screwed me over” and “made fun of my mental health and mental health in general.” He also discussed Ed during interviews with reporters, including a lengthy segment with journalist Don Lemon on September 25.
Macklemore and Ed Sheeran's fallout continues
The controversy began after Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine” during his appearance at Ed’s MetLife Stadium show. The rapper later revealed that he had been dropped from the remainder of the Loop Tour and shared a lengthy Instagram statement addressing Ed and his team.
“But before I get into it, I want to say something that should be obvious,” Macklemore wrote. “In this moment I think it matters. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim.” He said the “victims are the Palestinian people” who have “been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence.”
Ed later shared the promoter made the decision to remove Macklemore, denying that it was his choice. He said he would not “let down the fans who had made plans” or abandon the touring crew, support acts and musicians who depended on the tour for work.
On September 19, Ed addressed the fallout during his Philadelphia concert, emotionally saying he had been “abandoned” by close family and friends. Macklemore subsequently announced his Free Palestine Tour and said the proceeds would benefit organisations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.
He said recent events showed that “something has shifted over the last three years,” citing a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation, billionaire power and expectations of artists.
