Ed Sheeran's cousin Jethro Sheeran (Alonestar) slammed the pop star as a coward following Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour. Get full story details.
The ongoing fallout surrounding the removal of American rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour has escalated into an intense family feud. On September 17, 2026, Ed's first cousin, British hip-hop artist and producer Jethro Sheeran (performing professionally as Alonestar), posted a scathing critique on social media accusing the pop megastar of being a "coward" and a "selfish individual". The public statement follows intense fan scrutiny, venue owner pressures, and the subsequent mass walkout of opening acts across Sheeran's worldwide stadium tour.
What Did Jethro Sheeran Say About Ed Sheeran on Instagram?
In a detailed public statement shared to his official Instagram account, Jethro Sheeran aired years of personal and professional grievances against his cousin, claiming that fans are finally seeing the star's true behavior.
- Accusations of Cowardice: Jethro stated that he believes 100 percent that Ed personally made the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour, calling him a "coward" and "shady".
- Personal Allegations: The rapper alleged that Ed previously mocked his mental health, acted maliciously, and used legal pressure through Warner Music to remove collaborative early tracks from digital streaming services.
- Early Career History: Jethro emphasized that he helped launch Ed's career by taking him to his first recording studio, hosting him on stage, and defending him during childhood, accusing Ed of calculating a fake public image to protect private corporate deals.
Why Was Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour?
The core controversy originated during a September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore voiced strong pro-Palestinian political statements and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall".
- Stadium Venue Pushback: Venue operators and key NFL stadium owners objected to the performance, threatening to cancel scheduled tour stops if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
- Promoter Action: Tour promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from the remaining eight US tour dates.
- Mass Walkout by Supporting Acts: Supporting performers including FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Sheeran's live backing band exited the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
How Did Ed Sheeran Respond During His Philadelphia Performance?
Taking the stage alone at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, an emotional Ed Sheeran addressed the audience directly to apologize for the situation.
- Acknowledging Mistakes: Sheeran told the crowd of 50,000 fans that he was making difficult decisions, admitting he made mistakes and apologizing for the surrounding distress.
- Humanitarian Statement: During his address, Sheeran described the ongoing crisis and devastation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable" while attempting to clarify the promoter's role in logistical decisions.
- Upcoming Diss Track Announcement: Unmoved by the apology, Jethro Sheeran teased an upcoming response track titled "Eject," promising to detail more about his relationship with the singer.