Ed Sheeran's black sheep cousin Jethro goes to war on under-siege singer. Shocking comments about his music... and the bitter family feud that tore them apart: 'He's a coward'

Ed Sheeran is currently navigating a turbulent period marked by public controversy and a deeply personal family rift. The internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter's recent world tour has sparked significant backlash, compounded by a revealing and critical interview from a close relative, shedding light on longstanding familial tensions.

Jethro Sheeran, Ed’s first cousin and a British rapper known professionally as Alonestar, has openly criticized the singer amid the fallout from Sheeran's Loop world tour. Jethro’s remarks, reported exclusively by the Daily Mail, portray a strained relationship marked by allegations of exploitation and personal betrayal. Despite their shared musical background, the cousins have been estranged for several years, a divide fueled by disputes over music rights and personal grievances.

The recent controversy centers around an incident during Ed Sheeran’s tour when opening act Macklemore delivered a pro-Palestinian statement during a New Jersey concert. This action provoked backlash from various public figures and organizations, including prominent entertainers and influential fans. One such figure, Robert Kraft, a billionaire and stadium owner, demanded Macklemore’s removal from the tour, a request Ed ultimately accepted. This decision, reportedly influenced by the tour promoter, led to a significant online backlash against Sheeran, including the loss of hundreds of thousands of social media followers and the departure of several supporting acts.

Amid this public uproar, Ed Sheeran delivered an emotional onstage message in Philadelphia, expressing feelings of abandonment by friends and family. However, Jethro contests the sincerity of these sentiments, suggesting that Sheeran’s tears were self-focused rather than empathetic toward those affected by the political dispute. Jethro further accused Ed of attempting to maintain favor across conflicting political divides for personal gain, citing lucrative performances and endorsements that align with high-profile clients.

The family discord extends beyond professional disputes. Jethro alleges that other family members have distanced themselves from Ed, while some continue to benefit from his celebrity status. The cousin’s commentary paints a picture of a fractured family dynamic, exacerbated by business disagreements and contrasting personal values.

Reflecting on their early years, Jethro recalls a time when the cousins bonded over music. However, their paths diverged drastically as Ed rose to global stardom while Jethro pursued his own career in rap and production. Despite his relative’s fame, Jethro insists he harbors no envy, emphasizing his preference for different musical influences and pride in his creative independence.

The professional split between the two reportedly began around seven years ago following a dispute related to the song "Raise Em Up," which featured Ed Sheeran’s contributions but later had his name removed under the direction of Ed’s label. Jethro describes feeling used and discarded, leading to a prolonged feud underscored by emotional and creative grievances.

This familial conflict surfaced publicly with the release of Ed’s track "A Little More," which contains lyrics perceived by some as a diss toward Jethro. The rapper has expressed that the song’s timing coincided with a difficult period of mental health struggles, intensifying the personal pain involved. In response, Jethro is preparing to release his own diss track titled "Eject," further addressing their ongoing dispute.

While Ed Sheeran’s representatives have declined to comment on the family feud, it is evident that the singer remains focused on completing his Loop tour, despite the ongoing public criticism. Meanwhile, Macklemore has announced a separate tour supporting the Free Palestine movement, indicating that the political controversy linked to Sheeran’s tour continues to evolve independently.

The intersection of public political statements, personal family dynamics, and the pressures of fame highlight the complexities surrounding Ed Sheeran at this juncture. As the artist continues to perform globally, the revelations from his cousin add a nuanced layer to the scrutiny facing one of music’s most recognizable figures.