Sam Smith

The visuals see the singer arrive at a stately home in a helicopter before dancing in a variety of flamboyant outfits alongside a large troupe of backing ...

People just don’t like that Sam is queer, plus sized and unapologetic about it. If a straight white cis woman popstar did what sam smith did there would be no problem. It must be exhausting being so hateful all the time. “If a straight white cis woman popstar did what sam smith did there would be no problem,” said academic Dr. Many pointed out that the video would not have caused such a moral panic if it had been a cisgender, female popstar in it, and many videos by such musicians have been more sexualised without anyone batting an eyelid. “Sex has always been a running theme in modern pop music, and music videos often flaunt it,” wrote journalist Owen Jones.

Sam Smith's latest music video has drawn controversy for the kind of in-your-face sex- and body-positive sensibilty that's become commonplace in modern ...

Compared to many of their pop contemporaries, Smith is thoroughly unremarkable in their willingness to place sex front and centre. [a three-star review of their latest album, Gloria](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/sam-smith-gloria-review-b2269894.html), Helen Brown describes Smith’s singing as the “aural equivalent of watching a lava lamp” – and she’s right. While Smith is currently facing the sharp end of this double standard, it would be absurd to act as if they are some kind of radical button-pusher. When the act of rebellion has been washed clean, made sturdy by history and the heft of consensus. Musicians should not be forced to tailor their output to the sexless whims of the young. In one of the more extreme reactions, ex-Brexit Party MEP Alex Phillips went on Good Morning Britain and likened the video to porn, linking its content to a wider culture of sexual assaults and “relationships falling apart”. And yet, in poured the outrage, with detractors branding the content “pornographic” and calling for an age restriction to be placed on the video. Sam Smith’s latest music video has drawn controversy for the kind of in-your-face, sex- and body-positive sensibility that’s become commonplace in modern music. The mere suggestion of sexuality does not equate to porn, nor is such a suggestion inherently unsuitable for children. “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” has pretty innocuous lyrics – tamely horny lines about looking to pull in a nightclub. It’s a raunchy, unabashed display of sexuality. It’s an accusation that reeks of homophobia.

The burlesque-inspired music video for “I'm Not Here to Make Friends” has some conservatives clutching their pearls.

It’s called being the belle of the ball, look it up! Directed by Tanu Muino, the burlesque-inspired “I’m Not Here To Make Friends” video was filmed within King Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace castle. [Unholy](https://www.them.us/story/kim-petras-sam-smith-unholy-billboard-charts)” hitmaker released their fourth studio album, “Gloria.” That same day, Smith also treated fans to a [new music video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYjHhqLSiN4) for their single “I’m Not Here To Make Friends.”

Ukranian Brand FROLOV Designs Exclusive Pieces for Sam Smith: Icons only wear custom made.

No detail is too small as the shimmering “It was extremely exciting to work with Sam Smith’s team and collaborate on this project with Ukrainian director Tanu Muino. [Sam Smith](http://hypebae.com/tags/sam-smith) is in their era of reinvention and [Ukrainian](http://hypebae.com/tags/ukraine) brand [FROLOV](https://frolov.fr/) is helping them along as the opulent fashion label designed nine custom looks for the artist’s new [music video](http://hypebae.com/tags/music-videos), “I’m not here to make friends.”

Sam Smith was given an apology from Richard Madeley after the presenter used the wrong pronouns when talking about the singer on 'GMB'.

[In a four-star review](https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sam-smith-gloria-review-the-most-vital-work-of-their-career-3387484), NME’s Nick Levine described ‘Gloria’ as “the most surprising, satisfying and vital work of [Smith’s] career”, and declared that the singer “has never sounded better because they’ve never been more themselves”. [pronouns they/them since 2019](https://www.nme.com/news/music/sam-smith-asks-to-be-referred-to-as-they-instead-of-he-after-coming-out-as-gender-neutral-2547833) after revealing that they were gender neutral. “My family can communicate with me; they always did, but they communicate with me now in an even better way. And in my personal life, there’s not one negative. Referencing a clip in the music video, Madeley said: “A shot of him, Sam.” And it was really hard.”

Pop music – and specifically pop music stardom – has an incredible power to transform people into things they are not. The pop sphere enjoyed by my ...

It is his belief he is somehow beyond male and female, that he is not a man. It is not Smith’s sexuality that is worthy of critique. We have come full circle and then gone backwards, because what we have here is a freak show of painful clichés, a carnival booth of ancient music hall stereotypes. As the owner of a bulky male frame, I can confirm this is not the best way to present it to the public. And this is a healthy check – as far as it goes. His act, much like the John Waters movies from which it originated, was a satire on the very idea of beauty, sexiness and bad taste. That covers many much more disturbing and unpleasant things than Smith’s busty display, from racial division to self-harm in the guise of self-discovery. It is like a Gothic cathedral to Sam Smith’s garden centre. It is also an intelligent, inventive record, full of musical surprises, wit and an original voice. First is a kind of morally dumbfounded disgust, second is high amusement, and third is what I want to talk about here, which I think I can fairly summarise as: ‘Oh, it’s just kids being kids and really no different to our day’. We are terrified of sounding like we’re saying ‘Kids today!’ (At this point I would just like to remind everyone that Sam Smith is thirty years old.) But there are limits, and the singer Sam Smith has done us a favour by smashing into them.

The non-binary singer has become an all singing, all dancing vessel for people's bigotry - so they should at least admit to it, argues Maddy Mussen.

Or when nine-year-old me watched on completely unfazed as Beyonce and Shakira performed matching belly dances and grinded against walls in the video for Beautiful Liar, circa 2007? The video shows Smith all laced up in a cream silk corset, complete with matching nipple covers and budgie-smuggler pants, prancing about like the non-binary Birth of Venus. Or perhaps – just perhaps – you might be a homophobe?

Singer Sam Smith's latest music video is causing quite the stir, as the star unveils their raciest look yet – and sparks fierce debate on social media.

If Sam Smith were thin, cis, and straight, they wouldn’t be ridiculed for how they present and dress. that’s what it comes down to— das 🌿 (@das_penman) In the middle Freddie is writhing with ballet dancers. 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. [January 30, 2023] Sam Smith is out there producing the most creative and authentic work of their career.

Despite its flaws, 'Gloria' serves as a colorful new chapter in Sam Smith's ongoing personal and artistic evolution. Read our review.

The acoustic “How to Cry” details the end of an emotionally unsatisfying relationship with a refreshing amount of sympathy toward the other party, while the R&B-infused “Six Shots” finds Smith finally getting down and dirty instead of simply tip-toeing around sexual subject matter like so many other tracks on Gloria. Similarly, the Calvin Harris-produced “I’m Not Here to Make Friends,” a disco-influenced dance cut, ranks as one of Smith’s most joyful vocal performances to date. While the opening track, “Love Me More,” is reminiscent of the type of conventional material that might have handily won Smith multiple Grammys just a few years ago, the rest of Gloria serves as a colorful new chapter in the singer’s ongoing personal and artistic evolution.

"Gloria" is projected to debut at No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart.

[Ava Max](https://www.billboard.com/artist/ava-max/) is heading for a No. [Academy Award nominations](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/oscars-nominations-2023-complete-list-1235204199/), the King of Rock & Roll is making a move on the U.K. [Uriah Heep](https://www.billboard.com/artist/uriah-heep/) (Chaos & Colour at No. rapper [Lil Yachty](https://www.billboard.com/artist/lil-yachty/) (Let’s Start Here at No. 1 on the Official U.K. [Elvis Presley](https://www.billboard.com/artist/elvis-presley/)’s Elv1s – 30 Number 1 Hits (RCA) lifts 23-20 on the chart blast, and Elvis On Tour (Sony Music CG), a six-CD, one-Blu-ray box set capturing performances from Elvis’ 1972 North America tour, is set to bow at No. 1 hit single](https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sam-smith-gloria-interview-1235204959/) “Unholy,” a collaboration with Kim Petras, Gloria leads the [Official Chart Update](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart-update/). Fragments is set to become Dylan’s 42nd appearance in the U.K. 10 in the U.K. [Bob Dylan](https://www.billboard.com/artist/bob-dylan/) is on track for a No. Albums Chart, following the Brit’s previous leaders In The Lonely Hour (from 2014) and The Thrill Of It All (2017). It’s the followup to 2020’s Love Goes, which peaked at No.

Sam Smith's latest music video has drawn controversy for the kind of in-your-face, sex- and body-positive sensibility that's become commonplace in modern music. The criticism surrounding the pop singer's effort reeks of homophobia, writes Louis Chilton.

Compared to many of their pop contemporaries, Smith is thoroughly unremarkable in their willingness to place sex front and centre. [a three-star review of their latest album, Gloria](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/sam-smith-gloria-review-b2269894.html), Helen Brown describes Smith’s singing as the “aural equivalent of watching a lava lamp” – and she’s right. While Smith is currently facing the sharp end of this double standard, it would be absurd to act as if they are some kind of radical button-pusher. When the act of rebellion has been washed clean, made sturdy by history and the heft of consensus. Musicians should not be forced to tailor their output to the sexless whims of the young. In one of the more extreme reactions, ex-Brexit Party MEP Alex Phillips went on Good Morning Britain and likened the video to porn, linking its content to a wider culture of sexual assaults and “relationships falling apart”. And yet, in poured the outrage, with detractors branding the content “pornographic” and calling for an age restriction to be placed on the video. Sam Smith’s latest music video has drawn controversy for the kind of in-your-face, sex- and body-positive sensibility that’s become commonplace in modern music. The mere suggestion of sexuality does not equate to porn, nor is such a suggestion inherently unsuitable for children. “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” has pretty innocuous lyrics – tamely horny lines about looking to pull in a nightclub. It’s a raunchy, unabashed display of sexuality. It’s an accusation that reeks of homophobia.

R. ichard Madeley apologised for using the incorrect pronouns for Sam Smith on Good Morning Britain on Monday. Madeley, 66, was in the middle of debating ...

I hope you can see me like I see myself now. “I corrected him, he apologised and took it on board. “I understand there will be many mistakes and mis gendering but all I ask is you please, please try. Smith wrote: “Today is a good day so here goes. The Unholy singer said at the time in a post shared on Instagram that they had “been at war with their gender” for a lifetime, before finally deciding to “embrace” who they are. [ichard Madeley](/topic/richard-madeley) apologised for using the incorrect pronouns for [Sam Smith](/topic/sam-smith) on [Good Morning Britain](/topic/good-morning-britain) on Monday.

Sam Smith is an English singer, popularly known for his worldwide blockbuster song, Unholy, with Kim Petras. Photo: dailyO. 3 ...

For instance, early press photos showed Smith dressed like Michael Buble in a typical uniform of dark suits, and their breakout songs were all lovelorn ballads like Lay Me Down and Stay With Me. Sam Smith is out there producing the most creative and authentic work of their career. In the middle Freddie is writhing with ballet dancers. 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 case you didn't know, Sam Smith is an English singer, popularly known for their worldwide blockbuster song Sam Smith was seen wearing nipple pasties, a corset, and having liquid blasted in their face, which was not liked by all.

Sam Smith's video for their new song, “I'm Not Here to Make Friends”, has been met with backlash online, with critics calling it offensive, explicit and ...

Then there they were again, in a sparkling 1930s corset and nipple tassles. Then there they were again, in a towering ostrich feather hat, performing on a mansion staircase. [Sam Smith](https://www.nme.com/news/music/fans-defend-sam-smith-in-wake-of-im-not-here-to-make-friends-video-controversy-3389090) had released an “explicit” new music video which was “hyper-sexualised” and had “sparked debate over age restrictions”, I was extremely intrigued.

"If a female artist had done that exact same video, worn the exact same outfits, no one would bat an eyelid," says drag queen Pixie Polite. "I think ...

Others think Sam is a victim of double standards. Kenny say's he's proud of Sam for confidently showcasing their identity in the video and their new album. "The tide of progress always ebbs and flows," says Pixie. And the BBC refused to play the song after one of it top DJs at the time, Mike Read, branded it "obscene". She says: "I watched the video and I was a bit like, 'oh, is this it'? The band had to make two videos for the song, as the first was set in a gay, S&M-themed nightclub and allegedly banned from TV. "I think this is a coming of age moment for Sam Smith as an artist." It wasn't long before Sam was trending on Twitter too, with a lot of posts calling the video "vulgar" and saying it was inappropriate for younger viewers. Some people think the video is "oversexualised" and want it to come with a warning. Since Sam came out as non-binary, fans think the singer has leaned in to their identity and it's had an impact on their music. "I think the outcry just smacks of this sort of homophobia, queer phobia and transphobia." "Sam Smith's early work was very palatable to a mainstream audience, because they didn't celebrate their queerness in the same way," says Pixie.

In the visual for their Calvin Harris-produced disco anthem I'm Not Here to Make Friends, the star proudly and confidently dons nipple-tassles and dances with ...

[said the backlash](https://twitter.com/AyoCaesar) is “amplified by the fact they’re [sic] queer and plus-sized, but all of these music videos generated much in the way of pearl-clutching and outrage,” adding: “Madonna was denounced by the Vatican!” [In a recent tweet](https://twitter.com/samsmith/status/1619658846934540290/photo/1), accompanied by a music video still, Sam seemingly responded to the backlash as they simply wrote, “Never too much.” [During their recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eazcJY2lvPM), Sam took the criticism in their stride, saying it resulted in their favourite ever headline: “Sam Smith horrifies OAP’s.” Critics branded the video “pornography”, with one Christian commentator condemning YouTube for not including – a whole bunch of ridiculousness incoming – “age restrictions” on their “degrading sexualised new music video”. In the visual for their Calvin Harris-produced disco anthem I’m Not Here to Make Friends, the star proudly and confidently dons nipple-tassles and dances with an army of scantily clad dancers.

Sexy pop videos are nothing new, so why the outrage? The response to “I'm Not Here to Make Friends” has sinister undertones.

“I’m Not Here to Make Friends” is a celebration of what it means to be queer. In the 2010s there were “debates” about whether there should be same-sex partners on Strictly Come Dancing. [Sam Smith](https://www.newstatesman.com/tag/sam-smith)’s “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” – which has provoked a backlash for its apparently “pornographic” and “hyper-sexualized” scenes. It encourages people to believe that outrage confected to fill empty TV schedules reflects a legitimate social concern, and makes LGBTQ+ people feel that their existence is controversial and debatable. I’m writing about Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” – the video that Smith’s pays homage to. It peaks with a fountain of liquid landing on all involved – including directly into the performer’s mouth.

The singer, 30, released the racy video for their new track I'm Not Here To Make Friends last week, with critics calling for it to be age restricted on ...

Some said the video needs to be kept away from children and is akin to a Playboy photo shoot One said: 'Whether you like Sam Smith or not there were a lot worse videos in the 80s and 90s. Does anyone remember the 70s and 80s. Remember the Tubes or Divine? A third added: 'It's time for standards to be raised regarding pop videos. They are fully available on YouTube and TikTok.'

Sam Smith's video for “I'm Not Here to Make Friends” has been met with backlash online, with critics calling it offensive, explicit, and pornographic.

It is not the sexual nature of the video which is at the crux of the outrage, then, but rather the non-binary person who dares step into it. If a thin cis woman wore a corset with nipple tassles, there would not be this level of pearl-clutching and furious debate—it certainly wouldn’t be described as “pornographic.” We see it all the time. It’s not a stretch to say that beneath so much of this “but what about the kids?” concern lies the thinly veiled presence of queerphobia.

If you haven't watched it, the singer spends most of it wearing a corset and nipple tassels while performing some spicy moves with backing dancers. Some people ...

Others think Sam is a victim of double standards. Kenny say's he's proud of Sam for confidently showcasing their identity in the video and their new album. "The tide of progress always ebbs and flows," says Pixie. And the BBC refused to play the song after one of it top DJs at the time, Mike Read, branded it "obscene". She says: "I watched the video and I was a bit like, 'oh, is this it'? The band had to make two videos for the song, as the first was set in a gay, S&M-themed nightclub and allegedly banned from TV. "I think this is a coming of age moment for Sam Smith as an artist." It wasn't long before Sam was trending on Twitter too, with a lot of posts calling the video "vulgar" and saying it was inappropriate for younger viewers. Some people think the video is "oversexualised" and want it to come with a warning. "I think the outcry just smacks of this sort of homophobia, queer phobia and transphobia." Since Sam came out as non-binary, fans think the singer has leaned in to their identity and it's had an impact on their music. "Sam Smith's early work was very palatable to a mainstream audience, because they didn't celebrate their queerness in the same way," says Pixie.

In the visuals, the 30-year-old “Unholy” crooner rocks a series of daring styles by designer Christian Cowan that range from a showgirl-worthy feather headdress ...

“Sex has always been a running theme in modern pop music, and music videos often flaunt it. “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.