Ed Sheeran's cousin Jethro has launched a public attack on the pop star, branding him a "coward" and accusing him of being "not a good person" following rapper Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's tour. Macklemore was dropped after delivering pro-Palestinian speeches during two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 and 5 September, sparking widespread backlash and renewed scrutiny of celebrity political activism.

Sheeran has publicly denied involvement in Macklemore's departure, insisting it was the promoter's decision and noting that his audience comprises young people from diverse backgrounds who do not expect his shows to serve as political forums. The conflict between cousins appears rooted in a longstanding dispute: Jethro attempted to re-release their 2010 collaborative track "Raise Em Up" to fund his daughter's music career, but Warner Music's legal team threatened court action unless he removed Ed's references. The row has proved costly for Sheeran, who lost over 200,000 Instagram followers within 24 hours, whilst all of his remaining support acts have also withdrawn from the tour.