Jethro Sheeran, the cousin of pop star Ed Sheeran, has said he is willing to put their differences aside in a bid to "bring peace" to their family. Despite repeatedly attacking the singer in recent interviews and on social media, the 44-year-old musician, known professionally as Alonestar, now says he is open to reconciliation.
Childhood memories and protective feelings
Jethro, who is nine years older than Ed, looked back on their childhood memories, reflecting on the special moments they shared. He said the singer was his "closest cousin on the Sheeran side" and that he always felt "extremely protective" of him.
Describing his estranged cousin as "very talented," Jethro shared: "I really did love the guy, and I was protective over him. I was even protective when he started getting big, as people tried to take advantage of him and tried to get on his tours."
Public attacks and controversy
Jethro has publicly attacked Ed on social media and in interviews, including on Piers Morgan Uncensored, following the controversy surrounding Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour over pro-Palestinian remarks. He branded Ed a "coward" and "selfish" while critics on social media accused him of using his cousin's name for publicity.
Ed briefly addressed the fallout from a concert in Atlanta, noting, without naming Jethro directly, that the two have not spoken in a very long time and denying any direct involvement in the tour promoter's decision regarding Macklemore.
Willingness to make up
In a new interview with the Daily Mail, Jethro said he would be willing to reconcile with his cousin. "It would be good for our family to bring peace," he told the publication. "I would make up with him, and we could say sorry to each other. I'm more than happy to move on.
"It will never be like it once was because we once had a beautiful time together, but I definitely don't hate him. We have the same blood in our veins. I would definitely hug and make up for the sake of our family."
Accusations of stolen lyrics
The olive branch comes after Jethro accused the pop star of stealing his rap lyrics and taking down their past collaborative music from streaming services. During a heated interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the musician claimed that Ed used rap lyrics he had written early in their careers, generating billions of views without giving him proper credit.
He alleged that Ed instructed his lawyers to scrub their early joint musical catalogue from streaming platforms, causing him financial harm. He also called his cousin a "snake" and claimed Ed mocked his mental health. Ed didn't respond to the allegations directly, but acknowledged the online drama during a gig in Atlanta, clarifying that they haven't spoken in a very long time.
