Photo: A Capitol Records UK / EMI recording; © 2023 Universal Music Operations Limited
Sam Smith’s loyal fan base is speaking up in defense of the singer’s expressive style.
Smith, whocame out as non-binaryin May 2019, released a music video for their hit single “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” on Friday, featuring several opulent costume changes including a hot pink furry coat dress — which he alsorocked recently onSNL— and a cream corset look complete with pearl chains, sparkly gloves and matching nipple covers.
In the video, Smith also wears a Vegas-inspired black showgirl outfit with a large feathered headdress, low-cut corseted satin top and matching satin black skirt with a thigh-high slit.
“The backlash against Sam Smith is absolutely about people not wanting people to be overtly sexual unless they’re skinny,“wrote one user in support of the “Unholy” singer.
“If they were doing that routine with exposed abs there would be no articles about this debating if it’s suitable for children,” the Twitter user added.
“I was going to ask “what has sam smith done to deserve this amount of hate directed at them,” another fantweeted. “But it’s quite literally that they’re queer and fat isn’t it. that’s what it comes down to.”
“I finally watched the Sam Smith video and was like “that’s…it?!“tweeted comedian Sooz Kempner. “Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon were in full joyful drag in the I Want To Break Free video almost 40 years ago. In the middle Freddie is writhing with ballet dancers. Ya bunch of prudes.”
“If Sam Smith were thin, cis, and straight, they wouldn’t be ridiculed for how they present and dress. If Harry Styles wore the same fits on a magazine cover, y’all would be screaming YAS QUEEN. Anyway, support fat queer people,” writer Mae Murrayposted on Twitter.
Addedanother fan: “sam smith looks so much sexier and happier now and it’s pretty sad how many people would prefer for them to [be] thin closeted and depressed.”
Thechart-topper recently made headlineswhen they shared an Instagram video from fashion designerLudovic de Saint Serninrocking barely there denim.
The 30-year-old British superstar was recorded shaking what their momma gave them to the tune ofJessie Reyez’sverse in their new song “Gimme,” which was released in early January and also features Koffee.
Talking withThe Sunday Times, the singer, 30, recently opened up about feeling good in their skin after struggling with their weight while being in the public eye. They admitted that it was a long journey before they were able to be comfortable enough to pose topless for their recent album coverGloria.
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“Within my industry there is definitely that question of, ‘What should a pop star look like?'” they told the outlet, noting that they never fit the “norm.” However, Smith revealed that the turning point with their self-image was after theirThrill of It Alltour in 2018.
“When I was 25 I came off tour exhausted. I looked to role models in the body world. Every time I went to the pool I felt self-conscious, but I forced myself to take my top off,” they said. “It paid off because I now have the opposite of body dysmorphia. I look fabulous. I’m finally getting a tan. I’m burnt in places I’ve never been burnt.”
source: people.com
