Ed Sheeran briefly addressed his estranged cousin, Jethro Sheeran, and his remarks against him after his “Free Palestine” controversy with Macklemore.
“You might have seen [my relative] recently on social media,” the Grammy winner told audience members at his Loop Tour stop at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, per a social media video.
The “Perfect” crooner, who shied away from using Jethro’s name, explained he hadn’t “spoken” to his cousin “in a very long time.”
Despite the duo’s distant relationship, Jethro has aggressively ranted against Ed, 35, ever since Macklemore, 43, was dropped as an opener from the hitmaker’s tour following a “Free Palestine” speech in early September.
Jethro labeled Ed as “selfish” and “malicious”in a scathing Instagram rant shortly after the news made headlines, writing, “Finally it’s all coming out!”
“I’m ashamed of my cousin Ed he’s done,” Jethro continued. “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 explained he was the “Thinking Out Loud” singer’s “first blood cousin,” claiming that the latter “screwed me over, made fun of my mental health and mental health in general.”
Jethro has also bashed Ed during interviews with reporters, including a lengthy segment with journalist Don Lemon, on Sept. 25.
Controversy against Ed sparked when Macklemore revealed he was dropped from the remainder of the Loop Tour after he shouted “Free Palestine” during the New Jersey show at MetLife Stadium.
A few days later, Macklemore shared a long Instagram statement about Sheeran and his team removing him from the tour.
“But before I get into it, I want to say something that should be obvious,” the “Can’t Hold Us” singer wrote. “In this moment I think it matters. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim.”
Macklemore stated that the “victims are the Palestinian people” who have “been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence.”
Ed later responded to Macklemore’s comments, stating that the promoter decided to drop the latter, also denying claims that it was his choice.
“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,” he wrote.
The “Shape of You” singer claimed he wasn’t “complicit” in the “devastating conflict” between Israel and Palestine.
Ed also addressed the fallouton Sept. 19 during his concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, emotionally sharing how he was “abandoned” by his close family and friends.
Macklemore announced his “Free Palestine Tour”with three stops throughout Europe in October. All proceeds from the shows “will benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.”
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