Sam Smith has come under fire over their latest music video. Some critics have branded it “vulgar” and “disgraceful”, arguing it should be banned or age restricted on YouTube.
But fans of the singer - who is non-binary - have defended the video, saying the “hyper-sexualised” dancing featured is actually “empowering” and that the criticism they are receiving is unwarranted, homophobic and transphobic.
The video begins with Smith arriving at a castle in a helicopter. It features them dancing with a number of performers, while Smith sports a corset, nipple covers and suspenders.
But it has sparked backlash from some for the footage used in the video.
British media personality Christine Hamilton said in a tweet mis-gendering the 'Unholy' singer: “I had never heard of #SamSmith and I wish I hadn’t now, but his obscene, debauched pornographic video will be seen by impressionable young children who deserve better role models than him. He should be ashamed of himself seeking publicity in this damaging way.”
People were quick to point out Christine’s hypocrisy by sharing pictures of the Razzberry Jazzberry Jam actress scantily dressed for a performance and posing provocatively.
Another Twitter user, Oli London, said Smith’s video is “degrading” and “sexualised”.
“YouTube does not have any age restrictions on Sam Smith's degrading sexualised new music video. 5 year olds can search this up and watch it with no content restrictions!
“Sam Smith, this is not art. This is not trendy. This is not empowering. This is monstrous!"
In defence of the singer, Twitter user Mae Murray said: “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.”
Another tweeted: “Blimey, Lots of pearl clutching! Does anyone remember the 70s and 80s. Remember the Tubes or Divine? Move on everyone. It's been done before.”
Twitter user @emmarsex jokingly tweeted: “I watched Robbie Williams strip down to his scants and then rip his skin off when I was 6. Sam Smith with their titties out is tame.”
This comes as on GMB, hosts Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid were joined by journalist Alex Phillips and radio presenter Shivani Dave to discuss if the video was empowering or offensive.
However, as they introduced the topic, Richard referred to the non-binary singer as 'he/him' rather than their 'they/them' pronouns. Looking at the camera, fellow host Susanna quickly said: "Remember Sam uses the pronouns, 'they,'" to which Richard corrected himself, saying: "'They', sorry."
But Madeley made the mistake again by accidentally referring to their guest with the wrong pronouns. Susanna, again, had to step in and tell him: "Shivani identifies as they/them," to which he replied: "Oh I’m sorry I will learn to do that."
The singer, 30, released the video for the new track as part of their new album Gloria, which is Sam's fourth studio album.
It was released on Friday and is the first LP they have released in three years.
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