Ed Sheeran’s cousin speaks out amid Macklemore row

Ed Sheeran is facing criticism from an unexpected quarter as his cousin Jethro Sheeran has publicly spoken out against the singer amid the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour.

Jethro, who is Ed Sheeran’s first cousin, shared his views on social media and described the singer as “selfish” and “malicious”. He also claimed that he had personally experienced what he considered unfair treatment from his cousin.

In his post, Jethro alleged that Ed had mocked his struggles with mental health and said his comments were based on his own experiences with the singer. He stressed that these were his personal views.

Jethro also disputed the explanation surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the tour. He suggested that Ed Sheeran had greater involvement in the decision than publicly acknowledged.

Macklemore was removed from the US leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The rapper later alleged that pressure from stadium owners contributed to his removal.

Sheeran has rejected claims that he personally decided to remove Macklemore. He said the decision was made by the tour’s promoters and venues after some stadium owners objected to Macklemore’s political statements.

The controversy has since widened, with several other artists withdrawing from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga were among the supporting acts that announced their departures.

Macklemore has also pledged to donate $1 million from his tour earnings to organisations providing aid to Palestinians. The development has added another dimension to the growing dispute surrounding the tour.