Jethro Sheeran calls Ed a 'snake' after shocking Macklemore exit

**Ed Sheeran’s Cousin Jethro Accuses Him of Being a Coward Over Macklemore Tour Fallout**

Jethro Sheeran, 44, cousin of pop star Ed Sheeran, said in his first on‑screen interview for *Piers Morgan Uncensored* that he had seen “the snake” in his relative. The video aired entirely on YouTube on Friday, September 25, and revealed Jethro’s long‑standing frustration with Ed’s handling of the 2024 Loop Tour.

His remarks come amid rumors that Ed dropped rapper Macklemore after controversial stage comments.

Jethro told the interview that he and Ed were once close but that “early on, I saw the snake in him.” He added, “He’s very talented and people think I’m jealous. But jealous of what? His looks?

His guitar? His singing?” The cousin also said, “Seeing what he did to Macklemore I believe he kicked him off that show. I believe he did it with his team and then he blamed the promoter.” These claims are unverified but have sparked renewed interest in the tour drama.

The conflict began when Macklemore, 43, was cut from Ed’s Loop Tour after making remarks about the Free Palestine movement. On September 15, Ed released a statement saying he tried to “build bridges,” but that the decision to pull Macklemore rested with the promoter.

Macklemore has pledged a $1 million donation to six Palestinian‑supporting organizations, and several other musicians have opted out of the tour in solidarity.

## Background & Context

Jethro, who performs as Alonestar, first collaborated with Ed on the 2010 track “Raise ‘Em Up.” He says that early in their partnership he “took him on stage and to the studio for the first time, and then he just kind of went his own way.” The cousin claims that Ed “did all my shows and supporting me there, and then he kind of went and just blew up, and then just completely left everything that we built behind.” These statements provide a personal lens on the fallout that has divided the tour’s supporting acts.

The Loop Tour itself was announced earlier this year, with Macklemore slated as an opening act for several dates. When Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft threatened to cancel Ed’s performance if Macklemore remained on the bill, Ed allegedly “kicked him off” and blamed the promoter.

Kraft, 85, announced on Friday that the concert at Gillette would no longer take place as planned. The incident prompted a cascade of withdrawals from other opening acts.

## What People Are Saying

During the Piers Morgan interview, Jethro said he had “witnessed” Ed being a coward for almost ten years and lying. He also recalled an Instagram post from earlier this month in which he slammed the singer.

Jethro called the decision to drop Macklemore a “coward move,” adding that Macklemore said, “Ed kicked me off the tour,” and that Ed later claimed he begged Macklemore to join but was turned away.

He also pointed out that “13 years of friendship is more important than getting a phone call from the person who owns the stadium.” In contrast, Ed’s team has not yet issued a comment on the cousin’s accusations.

Ed himself appeared to break down during a recent show, claiming that “loved ones abandoned” him after negative headlines surfaced. Jethro, meanwhile, maintained that Ed was “crying for himself.” The divergent accounts illustrate how the tour’s fallout has strained personal relationships and public perception alike.

## What Happens Next

There is no confirmation that Ed’s representatives will respond to Jethro’s allegations. The remaining opening acts on the Loop Tour have largely been replaced, and the concert schedule remains in flux.

Jethro said he is “happy” for his cousin’s success but remains disappointed in Ed’s actions, stating, “I don’t hate, I just think he’s a coward because of what he’s done, and he’s done some bad things.” The situation remains unresolved, with fans and industry insiders monitoring any future statements.

The drama surrounding the Loop Tour highlights the delicate balance between artistic collaboration and public controversy. As the music world watches Ed Sheeran’s next move, the impact of his choices on fellow performers and audiences will likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks.