Ed Sheeran Addresses Estranged Cousin's Criticism Amid Macklemore Tour Controversy
The singer briefly spoke about his estranged relative, Jethro Sheeran, during a recent concert stop.
Ed Sheeran has broken his silence regarding comments made by his estranged cousin, Jethro Sheeran, following the controversy surrounding Macklemore's tour dates. Speaking to the audience at his Loop Tour stop in Atlanta on Saturday, Sheeran acknowledged that his relative had recently appeared on social media.
"You might have seen [my relative] recently on social media," Sheeran told concertgoers, according to a video shared online. He noted that he had not spoken to his cousin in a significant amount of time.
Jethro Sheeran has been vocal in his criticism of Ed Sheeran since Macklemore was removed as an opener from the Loop Tour. The decision to drop Macklemore followed a "Free Palestine" speech the rapper delivered during a show in early September. Shortly after the news broke, Jethro labeled Ed as "selfish" and "malicious" in an Instagram post, expressing shame and stating that he did not consider Ed a good person or artist.
Jethro, who identified himself as Ed's "first blood cousin," further claimed that Ed had "screwed me over" and "made fun of my mental health." He also voiced his criticisms in interviews, including a segment with journalist Don Lemon on September 25.
The initial controversy erupted when Macklemore announced his removal from the remainder of the Loop Tour after his "Free Palestine" statement. In a subsequent Instagram post, Macklemore clarified that while he was not a victim, the "victims are the Palestinian people." He also stated that Ed Sheeran was not a victim in the situation.
Sheeran responded to Macklemore's comments, asserting that the tour promoter, not he, had decided to drop the rapper. He denied claims that the decision was his own and stated he would not abandon fans, touring crew, or other musicians who relied on him for work.
Sheeran also addressed the conflict indirectly on September 19, during a concert in Philadelphia, where he spoke emotionally about feeling "abandoned" by close family and friends. He maintained that he was not "complicit" in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Macklemore has since announced a "Free Palestine Tour" with three European dates in October. Proceeds from these shows are designated to benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.