Ed Sheeran Family Feud: Cousin Claims Singer Is ‘Not a Good Person

Family Feud Erupts Over Macklemore Tour Controversy

The rift between the cousins widened when Jethro Sheeran, 44, took to Facebook to criticize the 35-year-old singer. According to his social media post cited by Daily Mail reporter Olivia Christie, Jethro wrote that the world and fans were finally seeing through the pop star, adding that he considers him “not a good person” and rejecting his status as a good artist. Jethro also claimed that his cousin “screwed him over” after achieving fame, despite the pair spending school holidays writing and recording music together.

The public attack comes on the heels of significant backlash surrounding Macklemore’s departure from the tour. Macklemore opened for Sheeran on September 4 and 5 in New Jersey, where he wore a keffiyeh scarf and delivered pro-Palestinian speeches. According to announcements reported by Daily Mail, the rapper was subsequently dropped from eight remaining US tour dates. Sheeran lost more than 200,000 Instagram followers within 24 hours of the news, and all other support acts also stepped away from the tour.

Legal Disputes and the History Behind Raise Em Up

The underlying tension between the relatives involves a disputed musical collaboration. According to source reports, the bone of contention centers on a track titled “Raise Em Up,” which Jethro recorded with Ed in 2010. The song appeared in the 2013 film All Stars. Jethro later produced a remix featuring Ed’s image and joint credits, hoping to raise funds to help his daughter, Skyla Rain Sheeran, launch her own music career.

However, solicitors representing Ed’s record label, Warner Music, quickly intervened. According to Jethro’s account, lawyers issued warnings that he would face legal action unless he removed all references to his cousin from the track artwork and promotion.

Sheeran Defends Tour Promoter Decision

Ed Sheeran has maintained that he played no part in removing Macklemore from the lineup. In a statement addressing the controversy, the singer explained that venues on the upcoming tour communicated they would pull the shows if the rapper continued to support the tour. Sheeran stated that he spoke with venues, promoters, and activists at length to find a mutual resolution, but the final decision rested with the venues and promoters.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran stated, adding that he had a responsibility to his touring crew, musicians, and fans who made plans. Despite his explanation, the fallout has damaged his public standing, resulting in his music being banned from a radio station in Ireland and fierce international scrutiny regarding his perceived silence or complicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?

According to Ed Sheeran’s public statement, tour venues and promoters made the final decision to drop Macklemore following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian speeches and use of the keffiyeh scarf during performances in New Jersey.

What did Jethro Sheeran say about Ed Sheeran?

According to his Facebook posts reported by the Daily Mail, Jethro Sheeran called his cousin a “coward” and “not a good person,” expressed shame over their connection, and alleged that Ed “screwed him over” after achieving fame.

What was the legal dispute between the cousins?

Warner Music lawyers contacted Jethro and threatened legal action unless he removed Ed Sheeran’s image and name references from a remix of their 2010 collaboration “Raise Em Up.”