Sam Smith’s not here to make friends…or enemies. So leave them alone
When Sam Smith released the music video for their latest single, I’m Not Here to Make Friends, last week. It received a polarising response online. The video, which sees Smith, 30, sport an array of nongender conforming regalia – including a corset and nipple tassels - has sparked outrage among many social media users. Much of the backlash has stemmed from the overtly sexual tone of the video, which features a visibly queer cast – in various states of dress and undress - revelling at a raucous ball.
One Twitter user said: “Sam Smith is the perfect example of what degenerate Hollywood culture does to people. It makes celebrities vulgar, hyper-sexualised, and obsessed with wearing their sexuality like a costume and shoving it in everyone’s face.” The user then goes on to express concern about the video’s impact on children – while also misgendering Smith in the process. They said: And to make matters worse, kids look up to this man!”
Another user echoed this concern: “YouTube does not have any age restrictions on Sam Smith’s [sic] degrading sexualised new music video. 5-year-olds [sic] can search this up and watch it with no content restrictions.” This pattern is seen throughout the many scathing social media attacks on the video. It reinforces two age-old homophobic tropes: that queer sexuality is degenerate and immoral and that it is a threat to your children.
The relationship between sexuality and popular music is nothing new; they have been intertwined in commercial and financial unions for decades. Artists such as Britney Spears – who, lest we forget, made her debut in a schoolgirls’ uniform at 17 – and Miley Cyrus – who swung naked from a giant wrecking ball at 19 – have enjoyed vast success, in part, resulting from their highly sexualised images.
Britney, barely out of high school at the time, became an overnight success when Baby One More Time was released in 1998. Her sexualised image became the launching pad for a career that would see her explore increasingly risqué material - before even being out of her teens. Miley, who did receive some backlash due to her strong associations with her twee Hannah Montana character, also experienced huge success as her image became more sexualised. Her explicit album, Bangerz, became a global hit, resulting in her highest-grossing global tour.
The hyper-sexualisation of young (often teen) cisgender women seems to be an accepted standard of the music industry. This is also true, perhaps to a lesser extent, with young male artists. So, when Sam Smith, a thirty-year-old queer person, does the same, why are so many people outraged? While the answer may be complex, what is obvious is: many people are still uncomfortable with the open expression of queer sexuality. They do not mind what you do in your bedroom; just do not “shove it in their faces.”
When Sam Smith made their musical breakthrough in 2014 with their debut album, In the Lonely Hour, they achieved global success. The album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and was certified 5x Platinum in the US alone. At the time, Smith was often touted as the female version of Adele and enjoyed a wealth of mainstream success. While Smith came out as gay at the time, their image was far more conventional than nowadays, making them more palatable for conservative America.
Over the years, Smith has gone on a journey of discovery and acceptance, reflected in their increasingly genderfluid image and music - which have become unapologetically queer in recent years. While Smith’s newfound personal and artistic freedom has been met with hate and ignorance, they have also received unwavering support from the artistic community at large.
Not only has Smith received homophobic and transphobic abuse from the right conservatives, but they have also been subjected to relentless body shaming from factions of the gay community. What has their crime been? To have the audacity to show their overweight body and be happy and proud of it. The message is clear in a community that places extrinsic value on conventional beauty and worth: you should be ashamed of anything less than perfection.
Many have leapt to the defence of Smith following the vicious attacks. Reacting to the backlash, actor, writer, and presenter Jameela Jamil took to Instagram to express her support. She said: “We have known for years that there are severe body image issues in the LGBTQ+ community. And yet in 2023, people from within that very community even, jump at the chance to shame anyone who challenges the status quo.”
Jamil, who has been transparent about her issues with body dysmorphia, and has been a vocal champion of body positivity, pointed out people’s discomfort in the fact that Smith appears content as they are. She said: “People were OK with Sam Smith having curves when they were singing about being sad and lonely. But happy, confident, and thriving Sam Smith is sending people over the edge.”
The controversy surrounding a music video, which is no more explicit than that of its contemporaries, highlights the struggle that queer people face for acceptance – both in society and within the community. Smith’s bravery in honouring their authentic self has won them legions of supportive allies, as well as making them a target for unprecedented hate. Yet their message remains defiant: they will not shrink themselves to make other people feel comfortable.
Their new album, Gloria, is brimming with confidence and self-acceptance. The opening track, Love Me More, addresses Smith’s journey toward self-love. If you are uncomfortable by their unwillingness to be ashamed of who they are, perhaps you should take a good look in the mirror. Perhaps you will see something you do not like.