Ed Sheeran’s cousin Jethro Sheeran has publicly said: “He is not a good person, I don’t like his music so I can’t say he’s even a good artist,” as the family feud erupts amid the Macklemore LOOP Tour controversy
12:45, 18 Sep 2026Updated 12:45, 18 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran with cousin Jethro(Image: alonestarsheeran/Instagram)
Ed Sheeran’s cousin has delivered a scathing attack as the star continues to navigate the significant fallout from Macklemore being dropped from his US Tour.
Now his cousin who he had a close relationship with growing up has labelled the pop sensation “not a good person” and a “coward” as he weighed in on the controversy.
Ed, 35, has encountered fierce criticism following Macklemore’s removal after his Free Palestine speech in New Jersey. While the artist insists he played no part in the decision, he has faced global scrutiny, with numerous people condemning him for being “complicit”.
His music has been banned from a radio station in Ireland after the criticism.
Jethro Sheeran, 44, the singer’s cousin has declared himself “ashamed” to be connected to the star.
(Image: alonestarsheeran/Instagram)
In a Facebook post he said: “Finally it’s all coming out! I’m ashamed of my cousin Ed and what 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 went on to claim his cousin “screwed him over” after achieving fame. He revealed the pair had previously spent school holidays composing songs together.
Jethro has previously disclosed that Ed’s label’s lawyers had issued threats against him regarding a track titled Raise Em Up.
Jethro recorded it with Ed in 2010, with the song also appearing in the 2013 film All Stars. Jethro produced a remix, and he jointly credited Ed and incorporated his image in the artwork. However, solicitors representing Ed’s record label, Warner Music, swiftly made contact with Jethro, warning he would face legal proceedings if he failed to remove references to his cousin from the track.
(Image: alonestarsheeran/Instagram)
Ed has maintained the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour was entirely out of his hands. Shortly after the controversy erupted, he issued a statement saying: “After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.
“I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.
“One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”