Sam Smith has sparked a heated conversation online once again thanks to another 'controversial' performance.
The singer, 30, took to the stage and kicked off their Gloria tour earlier this week, following the success of their fourth studio album of the same name.
But while Sam's fans who were in the audience are seemingly loving the star's tour aesthetics and themes, critics have took aim at the non-binary star once again - accusing them of giving 'satanic' and 'sexualised' performances.
The Unholy hitmaker's fans have been forced to defend their idol on social media, as the singer is hit with a wave of nasty comments and unsolicited feedback underneath their latest Instagram post.
Sam - who uses they/them pronouns - dresses in a series of eye-catching looks for their latest tour, with red devil horns, sheer veils, wire crowns, nipple tassels and fishnets all making appearances throughout the performances.
The Stay With Me singer's tour also includes the use of religious imagery - with Sam following in the footsteps of the likes of Madonna, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga, who have all also sparked controversary thanks to incorporating religion into their art.
As clips from Sam's show circulate online, many of the singer's critics have slammed the star and accused the pop star of seeking attention via their 'sexualised' performances.
"[They're] taking entertainment to extreme levels! When you have the voice, I don't understand the need to sexualise a performance like that," one Twitter user wrote after watching footage from Sam's show.
"The rest of us don't want satanic erotica," another declared, as a third social media user, who seemingly didn't attend the concert, added: "This is vulgar and satanic."
Sam's fans have hit back at their critics and applauded the star for embracing their body and expressing themselves.
"You can tell that Sam is living their best LIFE," one fan commented underneath their latest Instagram post, with another adding: "BUAHAHHA people’s heads are exploding and I love it."
A third argued: "If you don’t like seeing what they do or how they dress . You can stop seeing it with one click. Its been a while now they post their new styles it’s not new. You can stop it. It’s less buttons to push compared to writing a hateful comment. #stopthehate."
The UK's Eurovision entry Mae Muller gushed "THE FITTTTTT", as another of Sam's fans declared: "If anyone has anything negative to say you clearly wasn't there as it was the most incredible concert I have ever been to and you are only seeing a small clip over the whole evening.... What a beautiful voice especially when they sung the song from Romeo and Juliet."
Earlier this year, Sam recalled the public reaction to their gender identity and the abuse they have suffered since announcing they use they/them pronouns.
The Grammy award-winning singer was asked by presenter Zane Lowe, 49, about their experience since having announced they were non-binary during an interview to promote their latest album, Gloria.
Sam explained on Apple Music 1 that there hasn't been a single negative reaction in their personal life. They said that they communicate "even better" now with their family.
They went on to reveal that their love life has benefited too, saying they feel "lovable" and "comfortable" in their own skin. They said that since changing their pronouns it feels "like a coming home".
Sam however also opened up about the negative reaction, saying it's been in their public life. "Just the amount of hate and s***ness that came my way was just exhausting," they said.
"What people don't realise with trans non-binary people in the UK is it's happening in the street. Like I'm being abused in the street verbally more than I ever have," they added.
Sam continued to admit that had been the "hardest part" of their experience and recalled being shouted at in the street. They added: "Someone spat at me like in the street. It's crazy".
They continued by expressing concern for queer individuals who aren't celebrities. Sam said: "It's just so sad like that we're in 2023 and it's still happening. It's exhausting."
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