Ed Sheeran's cousin Jethro insists he is willing to heal family feud with the singer after he 'stole' his music as he says they haven't spoken in almost a decade

The familial discord between Ed Sheeran, the global pop icon, and his cousin Jethro Sheeran has been a subject of public attention for over a decade. Despite the bitterness that has defined their relationship, Jethro, known professionally as Alonestar, has recently expressed a desire to heal the rift and restore harmony within their extended family.

Jethro, who is nine years Ed’s senior, reminisces about their early years and the close bond they once shared. Although they were raised some 210 miles apart—Jethro in Bristol and Ed in Framlingham, Suffolk—the cousins forged a strong connection during holidays spent together at their grandparents’ farmhouse in Ireland. These formative experiences laid the foundation for a relationship characterized by mutual affection and support.

Their early connection was marked by shared moments that demonstrated Jethro’s protective role. He recalls teaching a young Ed martial arts in their grandmother’s spacious lawn, aiming to boost his cousin’s confidence amid challenges such as school bullying. Jethro also recounts occasions when he sought to uplift Ed during difficult times, including organizing support from notable figures during Ed’s hospitalization.

Music was a central pillar in their bond, with the cousins collaborating in studios and performing modest gigs together. Ed’s rise from intimate pub shows to selling out massive venues like Wembley was a source of pride for Jethro. Despite their differing musical styles—Ed’s pop sensibilities versus Jethro’s hip-hop focus—they appeared to coexist harmoniously in the industry’s landscape initially.

However, tensions surfaced when Warner Music, Ed Sheeran’s label, intervened legally against Jethro concerning the use of Ed’s name and image on a remix track. This dispute marked the beginning of their estrangement, with Jethro alleging that Ed’s actions threatened his career and financial stability. The cousins have reportedly not communicated for nearly ten years following this episode.

The feud reignited publicly in 2024 amidst controversy surrounding Ed’s decision to remove Macklemore, his support act, from a tour after Macklemore expressed pro-Palestinian sentiments. While Ed attributed the decision to tour promoters, Jethro publicly accused Ed of orchestrating the exclusion, further deepening their divide. Ed acknowledged the family tension but refrained from detailed commentary.

Jethro’s critiques of Ed extend beyond professional grievances, touching on perceived personal betrayals and a divergence from the familial loyalty they once shared. He conveyed feelings of hurt and confusion, asserting that Ed’s actions led to alienation within their family circle. Despite the severity of their conflict, Jethro emphasizes that he does not harbor hatred and remains open to reconciliation.

This willingness to reconcile stands in contrast to Ed’s apparent reticence, as he has expressed feeling abandoned by family amid ongoing disputes. The contrast highlights the complexities of maintaining personal relationships alongside high-profile careers and public scrutiny.

With both cousins continuing their musical pursuits—Ed as a global superstar with substantial commercial success and Jethro as an independent artist with a significant streaming presence—the possibility of mending their relationship carries symbolic weight for their family and fans alike.

While details about future interactions remain scarce, Jethro’s openness to dialogue offers a potential path toward resolution. Their story underscores the challenges artists face navigating family dynamics within the pressures of public life, and the enduring hope for reconciliation even after prolonged estrangement.