Ed Sheeran’s Cousin Jethro Calls Singer a ‘Coward’ and ‘Bad Human’ Amid Family Abandonment Claims

Jethro Sheeran, cousin of Ed Sheeran, has slammed the Grammy-winning artist publicly, calling him a ‘lying coward’ and a ‘bad human.’ The scathing remarks arrive days after Ed Sheeran told a Philadelphia concert crowd, with tears in his eyes, that he felt “abandoned” by friends and family amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his US tour dates.

Ed Sheeran’s cousin, Jethro Sheeran (who performs as Alonestar), has publicly called the singer a “lying coward” and “bad human” in social media posts and a recent interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored. This follows Ed Sheeran’s claim that he felt “abandoned” by loved ones after Macklemore was dropped from his Loop Tour for making a pro-Palestinian speech on stage in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026.

The public split revolves around the abrupt axing of rapper Macklemore from the US portion of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in early September 2026 preceded the move.

Macklemore later said stadium owners — including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft — gave Sheeran the option of cutting him from the lineup. Ed Sheeran has fiercely denied this was his own decision. Sheeran said Macklemore’s contract was with the tour promoter, not him, and he spent days trying to sort the situation out so venues wouldn’t have to let down fans and the touring crew.

Ed Sheeran shrugged off the controversy at a concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026. It had been a “weird week”, he told the crowd, visibly emotional, and he had “discovered who your friends are”.

“Everyone’s telling me to cancel, and I’m feeling all of my friends and family and people I know disown me,” Sheeran said, according to footage shot at the event. He said despite the backlash, he was playing for the 50,000 fans who, he said, have “not forsaken me”.

Jethro Sheeran, a musician and record producer who performs as Alonestar, responded to his cousin’s comments with a string of public criticisms.

Jethro captioned an Instagram post: “Finally everything is coming out! I’m ashamed of my cousin Ed; he’s done… He’s honestly a selfish individual with malicious, cunning ways.” He added that Ed had “screwed me over” and mocked his mental health, saying: “In my opinion, he’s a bad human. Just my opinion from my experience.”

Jethro also dismissed Macklemore’s claim that stadium owners pushed Ed, saying he believes Ed decided on his n, own and calling him “shady” and a “coward.”

The row exploded after Jethro Sheeran appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored in late September 2026. In the interview, Jethro called Ed a “lying coward.”

The interview turned combative when host Piers Morgan suggested Jethro’s campaign was fueled by resentment and jealousy of Ed’s global superstardom. “I think you are so jealous of him. And I think you would love to be Ed Sheeran. And you ain’t. Morgan said, “You are Jethro Sheeran.

Jethro denied the accusation, swearing “to God and my daughter’s life” that he was not jealous, despite admitting he appeared on the show specifically because of Morgan’s “massive platform”. Toward the end of the segment, Morgan asked Jethro if he hated Ed because he was ginger, to which Jethro said no. He said that ginger hair was very common in their family.

This public family feud highlights the intense spotlight celebrities face when they get involved in geopolitical controversies. It also highlights the personal toll of canceled tours and public outrage. Fans and industry watchers say the issue raises questions about artist autonomy versus the demands of promoters and venues in the industry of live music. Moreover, the involvement of a family member adds a layer to the story, turning it from a simple tour dispute into a deeply personal conflict.

Ed Sheeran will continue his Loop Tour with upcoming dates planned for Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Ed Sheeran’s reps have not yet issued any official statement to the public regarding Jethro Sheeran’s recent TV appearance. In the short term, Jethro Sheeran’s interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored will likely remain a media talking point.

Who is Jethro Sheeran?
Ed Sheeran’s first cousin, Jethro Sheeran. He is also a musician and record producer, known by the stage name Alonestar.

Why did Macklemore part ways with Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was dropped from the US leg of the Loop Tour after making a pro-Palestinian speech at MetLife Stadium. Ed Sheeran said the tour promoter, not he, made the decision.

Did Ed Sheeran say his family abandoned him?
Yes. On September 19, 2026, Ed Sheeran told a Philadelphia audience that he felt “abandoned” by friends and family after the tour controversy.

Has Ed Sheeran addressed his cousin’s allegations?
As of September 26, 2026, Ed Sheeran and his team have not made any official public statement regarding Jethro Sheeran’s recent social media posts and TV interview.