Ed Sheeran's cousin rips into him amid Macklemore fallout, calls him 'coward'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ed Sheeran is not only facing backlash from the public, but he is now also facing criticism from a family member. Sheeran’s cousin, British musician Jethro Sheeran, publicly slammed the ‘Shape of You’ singer amid the Macklemore controversy.

Jethro even called the singer a “coward” and said he is “ashamed” of him. He also accused Sheeran of behaving selfishly toward his relatives and fellow artists. The Macklemore controversy created a buzz after the rapper was dropped from the US leg of Sheeran’s ‘Loop’ Tour following his outspoken pro-Palestine comments and performance of a protest song.

Ed Sheeran’s cousin calls him a 'coward' amid Macklemore fallout

Jethro, who performs under the name Alonestar, shared the message on his Instagram account on Thursday, September 17. He even shared two Facebook post slammingthe singer. “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.”

For those unaware, Jethro is the son of John Sheeran, Sheeran’s father’s brother. “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 then shared, “He is shady, and he’s dropped Macklemore himself. I believe 100% he’s a coward.” “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, “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.”

Why Ed Sheeran faced backlash after Macklemore's removal from the 'Loop' Tour

Macklemore made outspoken pro-Palestine comments and performed 'Hind’s Hall' at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The rapper said 'Free Palestine' and spoke about Gaza and the West Bank. Following his remarks, Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s ‘Loop’ Tour.

The ‘Perfect’ singer later addressed the controversy during his Philadelphia concert. “Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran said.

“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,” he added.

“But this week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” he continued.

He made sure to add, “I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”

Sharing his concern, he said, “My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me. Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely essential to who I am, and that is why I’m here tonight on my own and continuing my current tour.”