Ed Sheeran's cousin, Jethro Sheeran, has publicly criticized the pop star, labeling him a "coward" during a heated appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. This family feud comes in the aftermath of rapper Macklemore being removed from Ed's Loop Tour following controversial comments he made about Palestine.
Why it matters: The fallout from Macklemore's removal has sparked a public relations crisis for Ed Sheeran, leading to multiple supporting acts withdrawing in solidarity with the rapper. This situation has also reignited long-standing tensions between Ed and Jethro.
Jethro, 44, accused Ed, 35, of kicking Macklemore off the tour and blaming the promoter for the decision during the September 25 interview.
Macklemore, 43, was removed from the tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks, which led to backlash against Ed.
Ed claimed on September 15 that the promoter decided to pull Macklemore from future performances.
Major supporting acts like Finneas and Lukas Graham have withdrawn from Ed's tour in response to the controversy.
Driving the news: The drama escalated when Jethro shared personal grievances about Ed's treatment of Macklemore. He stated that Ed's actions were cowardly and indicative of a lack of integrity.
During the interview, Jethro said, "I’ve witnessed him being a coward for almost ten years and lying," referring to his relationship with Ed.
He expressed disappointment in Ed for abandoning their early collaborations and claimed Ed "went his own way" after finding success.
Jethro previously took to social media to criticize Ed, sharing vintage photos that highlighted their past relationship.
In a dramatic moment, Ed broke down mid-show, lamenting that his loved ones had "abandoned" him as a result of the negative headlines.
The big picture: The controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal has highlighted the tensions within the music industry related to political statements and artist integrity.
Macklemore has since pledged $1 million to Palestinian relief organizations, committing his entire net earnings from the Loop tour to six charities.
His comments at MetLife Stadium, which sparked the backlash, were part of a broader conversation about artists' roles in political discourse.
Ed's desire to keep his concerts free from political debate has drawn criticism, particularly as other artists have chosen to withdraw from his shows.
The incident has placed Ed's career and public image under scrutiny, overshadowing his record-breaking concert series.
What they're saying: Jethro's accusations have not gone unnoticed, and reactions have varied widely across social media and entertainment circles.
Piers Morgan suggested during the interview that Jethro's criticism may stem from jealousy, to which Jethro firmly denied, stating he wishes Ed well.
"I don’t hate, I just think he’s a coward because of what he’s done," Jethro said, emphasizing that he is not envious of Ed's success.
Jethro compared his situation to that of Prince Harry, who has also publicly critiqued his family, indicating a growing trend of celebrity family disputes.
Macklemore's commitment to Palestinian causes has drawn support from various artists, highlighting a shift in how musicians engage with political issues.
By the numbers: The fallout from this incident has seen a notable impact on Ed's tour schedule and relationships within the music industry.
Since Macklemore's removal, at least three major supporting acts have pulled out of Ed's tour in solidarity.
Macklemore's pledge includes $1 million directed toward organizations like Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
Ed's concerts at Gillette Stadium are now canceled following pressure from Robert Kraft, the stadium owner, who threatened to cut the tour if Macklemore remained.
Public sentiment on social media has largely sided with Macklemore, increasing calls for accountability within the music industry.
What's next: As the controversy continues to develop, Ed Sheeran faces a challenging road ahead in repairing his public image and maintaining his tour schedule.
Ed has yet to respond directly to Jethro's specific allegations about their past collaborations and the current turmoil.
With Macklemore's Free Palestine Tour gaining traction, other artists may be encouraged to take a stand on similar issues.
Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see how Ed navigates this public relations crisis.
The full interview featuring Jethro's remarks aired on September 25, and discussions surrounding the fallout will likely persist in the media.