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Sam Smith has received more than their usual share of criticism and trolling over the past couple of days.
The singer performed their international smash hit “Unholy” as part of the Capital Radio Jingle Bell Ball on Saturday evening at the O2 in London during which they wore a sparkly, silver Valentino jumpsuit.
Smith’s outfit, and the fact they’ve learned to love their plus-size non-binary figure, proved triggering for many online.
Related: Sam Smith slips into fishnets to tease seductive new follow-up track to “Unholy”
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Leading the chorus of disapproval was the one hit wonder band Right Said Fred.
The former hitmakers, who had a big global smash in the 90s with “I’m Too Sexy”, are otherwise known as brothers Richard and Fred Fairbrass. Richard is bisexual.
In recent years, the band members have become more known for their embrace of Covid vaccine conspiracy theories and anti-woke stance.
They tweeted a photo of Smith with the caption, “The wheels have come off these drag Queen tours 🤦♂️”
The wheels have come off these drag Queen tours 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/CCqYq7KPyx
— Right Said Fred (@TheFreds) December 11, 2022
They were not alone. Others were quick to make disparaging remarks about Smith’s appearance.
the downgrade is insane pic.twitter.com/H0vDYeHnrz
— Joe 🇲🇦 (@LAHXLLUClNATION) December 12, 2022
Many come to Sam Smith’s defense
Others, however, came to Smith’s defense. Many were quick to point out that the outfit was not all that different from stagewear worn recently by Harry Styles. Although Styles took some flack, it was not at the same level as Smith.
I see a lot of people trashing Sam Smith for wearing this fab jumpsuit but praising Harry Styles for wearing basically the same thing. Gross. pic.twitter.com/KjOYxrDQOz
— Yann (parody) (@yannhatchuel) December 11, 2022
Some wondered whether the simple difference between Smith and Styles was their bodies. Is Smith the victim of “fatphobia” or fat-shaming?
Why do you all hate Sam Smith so much? They’re queer, non-binary and have literally said themselves that they are excited about the rest of their life to be exactly who they are. You don’t have to like their music, just let them live.
Smells like fatphobia to me… https://t.co/NHiCJ1f5rR
— Pheebs (ur fav fat babe) 🪩✨💅💃💛 (@fatpheebs) December 12, 2022
It’s actually gross constantly seeing people tear into Sam Smith for their appearance when there’s a lot of us, myself included, who have a similar body type to them. God forbid a queer person dresses/expresses themself unapologetically, apparently only thin people are allowed 🤡
— 🎄 (@spicebagsupreme) December 12, 2022
The way some of y’all have bullied Sam Smith on this app the past couple of days is disgusting. And you sit on here hiding behind the avatar of a celeb, spewing hate when you are in fact no better than the people you aim to hold accountable and/or get canceled on a daily basis.
— Kalen Allen (@TheKalenAllen) December 13, 2022
The amount of fatshaming I have seen about Sam Smith is SICK. You all need help and touch some grass outside. These beauty standards have fucked up your mind of what actual human bodies should be considered okay and healthy
— Kür (@kingoflevant) December 13, 2022
The hatred toward Sam Smith, especially from others in the LGBTQ community, confused some.
Why are the gays so mean to Sam smith?! He’s literally the embodiment of most of you!
— Petty White (@itsbambibanks) December 12, 2022
Y’all mean gays are bullying Sam Smith, and for what? They don’t be bothering nobody.
— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) December 12, 2022
And others just said they liked the fact Smith doesn’t seem to care anymore what other people think about the way they look.
You know who I really enjoy? Sam Smith. They’re sort of just like, “I love myself. So suffer, sweetie.”
— Dana White (@ItsDanaWhite) December 12, 2022
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Related: Sam Smith and Kim Petras just did something amazing
Smith has been enjoying the biggest hit of their career with “Unholy”, which was released in October. The duet with Kim Petras topped the charts in the UK, US and elsewhere and continues to dominate on radio and streaming nearly two months after its release. Smith’s new album, Gloria, will be out in January.
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Neoprene
I’m so pleased Sam has learned to love his “plus-size non-binary figure”, whatever the heck that means.
thebaddestbabby
non binary just means plus size
Steve9999
If you don’t know what that means, you’re either too old, too ignorant…or both…I’m guessing the latter.
Snark doesn’t suit you.
dbmcvey
Neoprene, triggered again! He sees “non-binary” and he goes off!
bachy
I think he looks cute! Like a Teletubbie dipped in glitter!
inbama
I’ll have to stop complaining about referring to him as “they.”
A few more pounds and Sam will weigh as much as two people.
dbmcvey
inbama, making friends again.
Jack Meoff
That was not really a pleasant sight to look at I can see why people have taken issue with it. I don’t care that same is nonbinary or plus-sized but that outfit on Sam’s frame was just wrong.
sfhairy
Oh sister girl, that’s a hard no.
Steve9999
Good thing they weren’t dressing for YOU.
GameBoy
Sam Smith stays being successful & flourishing, in fact just recently performed for the President of the United States, but but I guess rude tweets will garner the attention for the time being..
jackscott
I like the song Unholy. However, Sam is messy!
alfred
Richard is not ‘gay’ – he is very clear about being bisexual and had a long term GF last I heard (though dont keep up with them)
Diplomat
I don’t think people are fat shaming him. I think it’s the style of clothing he picks that’s atrocious. He needs a good heavy weight drag queen to help get it right for him. Styles clothing choice in this comparison works well. Sam not so much. However, Sam would look good in Styles outfit.
Tallskin5
Dear Lord. Shouldn’t Queerty be prosecuted for showing these pics?
Folxs, there are children who can see this.
Message for Sam: PUT DOWN THE BAGS OF BUNS AND STAND BACK, THE POLICE ARE ON THEIR WAY
mastik8
It’s possible to like Sam Smith but dislike his fashion choices.
Steve9999
Congrats. The single most mature statement is this entire thread. Bravo.
Ronbo
Schoolmarm Steve is so woke that theys preferred pronoun is ‘most woke’. He assumes that people who dislike scrappy hair glitter-bombs also dislike Sam Smith – a child-like binary concept. Time to drop the superiority Steve and just be polite and observe social kindness and compassion. Please try to understand that two-way streets work BOTH ways.
Sam, time to get healthy. Just because you are famous doesn’t mean that you can let yourself go. That dress highlights an unattractive (scrappy?) deep V that demands you to shave, wax or cover it up. Even Lizzo shaves her fuzzy bits. And yes Steve, I love Lizzo – even in overalls.
Bromancer7
It has absolutely nothing to do with their size and everything to do with it looking ridiculous and unflattering. Styles doesn’t look any better in whatever the hell he’s wearing.
If you’re gonna dress like a disco ball expect to get criticism. It’s not a good look, no matter what your size.
GentlemanCaller
It’s not “fat shaming” to observe that someone looks dreadful in an ugly outfit that doesn’t fit them properly. I’ve said that a lot about other celebs, fat and thin. Just because someone is fat doesn’t insulate them from all criticim.
Ronbo
THIS! Now, can someone please attack the community for having taste? Where are Cam’s alter egos?
dbmcvey
I love how he triggers the Log Cabin members among us.
PhillyProud
I came out in 1985 and was surprised and saddened to see that we were a b*tchy/catty community that instead of being self supportive chose to tear each other down. It was more understandable then as we were conditioned to hate ourselves because of our culture. I’m loathe to take a fellow gay or member of the LGBTQ community down to make myself feel better. I’m glad Sam Smith, with all their talent, is raising more awareness for our community.