Ed Sheeran's cousin Jethro Sheeran has publicly branded the singer a "coward" and said he is "ashamed" to be related to him, as the fallout from Macklemore's removal from the LOOP Tour continues.
Jethro, 44, who had a close relationship with Ed while growing up, weighed in on the controversy surrounding Macklemore's exit from the US tour after his Free Palestine speech in New Jersey. Ed, 35, has faced fierce criticism, with numerous people condemning him for being "complicit", although he insists he played no part in the decision.
Cousin's scathing Facebook post
In a Facebook post, Jethro declared himself "ashamed" to be connected to the star. He wrote: "Finally it's all coming out! I'm ashamed of my cousin Ed and what he's done."
"Finally the world and all his fans see through him. He's not a good person, I don't like his music so I can't say he's even a good artist."
Jethro went on to claim his cousin "screwed him over" after achieving fame. He revealed the pair had previously spent school holidays composing songs together.
Legal threats over track
Jethro has previously disclosed that lawyers representing Ed's label had issued threats against him regarding a track titled Raise Em Up. Jethro recorded it with Ed in 2010, and the song also appeared in the 2013 film All Stars.
Jethro produced a remix, jointly credited Ed, and incorporated his image in the artwork. However, solicitors representing Ed's record label, Warner Music, swiftly made contact, warning Jethro he would face legal proceedings if he failed to remove references to his cousin from the track.
Ed's statement on Macklemore's exit
Ed has maintained the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour was entirely out of his hands. Shortly after the controversy erupted, he issued a statement saying: "After Macklemore's performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting."
"I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge."
"One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue's and promoter's decision was final."
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living."
His music has also been banned from a radio station in Ireland following the criticism.
