A Controversial Broadcast Sparks Outrage
Television personalities are no strangers to scrutiny, but one presenter recently found herself at the center of an intense backlash after repeatedly misgendering pop star Sam Smith during a live broadcast.
Smith, a globally recognized artist, is known for chart-topping hits like Stay With Me, I’m Not the Only One, and Dancing with a Stranger. Their contributions to the music industry have cemented their place among today’s biggest stars. However, despite their success, they have often been the target of criticism—whether for their bold fashion choices, their artistic performances, or their outspoken identity.
Now, yet another controversy has emerged, as the singer was once again misgendered on national television, sparking heated discussions online.
Sam Smith’s Journey as a Non-Binary Artist
In 2019, Smith publicly came out as non-binary and expressed their preference for they/them pronouns. The singer shared their journey on social media, opening up about years of struggling with their identity and the relief that came with embracing their true self.
“After a lifetime of being at war with my gender, I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out,” they wrote at the time.
Acknowledging that adjusting to their pronouns might take time for some, Smith urged people to make an effort, stating, “I understand there will be many mistakes and misgendering, but all I ask is that you please, please try.”
Their announcement was met with widespread support, but it also led to countless instances of public misgendering, some accidental and others seemingly intentional.
A Pattern of Misgendering in the Media
Despite Smith’s transparency about their pronouns, misgendering has remained a persistent issue—particularly within mainstream media.
During an interview on The One Show, the singer found themselves correcting a presenter in real time after being addressed with the wrong pronouns. The moment sparked discussions about the responsibility of media figures to respect people’s identities.
At the Grammy Awards, an Associated Press reporter also mistakenly referred to Smith as “he,” a slip that immediately caught the attention of fans.
“He’s still singing those ballads, but he’s definitely diving fully into pop music,” the reporter had said, failing to acknowledge the artist’s pronouns despite covering their evolving style.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Bob Geldof, appearing on This Morning, repeatedly misgendered Smith during a live segment, leading to an outcry from viewers. Many criticized the program’s hosts for failing to step in and issue a correction.
The TV Segment That Sparked Fresh Controversy
The latest incident took place during a discussion about Smith’s red carpet appearance at the Barbie movie premiere.
While celebrities arrived in dazzling, Barbie-inspired attire, Smith opted for a more laid-back ensemble—an oversized black sweatshirt paired with flared, light blue jeans.
During the broadcast, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and her guest, Vogue Williams, analyzed Smith’s outfit choice. However, Kelly repeatedly used male pronouns while discussing the singer’s look.
“Oh, he’s dressed down,” she remarked. “It’s a bit big for him. If he was my son, I’d say, ‘Son, that’s a bit big for you.’”
Meanwhile, Williams, seemingly aware of the misstep, made an effort to use Smith’s correct pronouns, emphasizing “they” in her responses. However, the host continued using male pronouns, oblivious to the growing discomfort of her guest.
A Wave of Backlash
It didn’t take long for fans to react. Many took to social media, slamming Kelly for her repeated misgendering of the singer.
“I guess Lorraine didn’t get the memo about Sam Smith’s pronouns. Awkward,” one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another user commented, “Using ‘him’ as many times in one sentence as possible, wow.”
Others pointed out that Williams visibly noticed the mistake and subtly tried to correct the conversation.
“She looked uncomfortable! You could tell she was trying to emphasize ‘they’ in hopes that Lorraine would catch on, but she didn’t,” one viewer observed.
Another fan remarked, “Lorraine is usually great with this stuff. Surprised she got it wrong, but I’m sure she’ll feel bad when she realizes.”
The Host Responds
As the backlash continued to gain traction, Kelly addressed the criticism head-on.
In response to a social media user who called out the misgendering—though the original post has since been deleted—she acknowledged her mistake.
“Fair comment,” she replied. “Not in the least intentional, but I’ll take it on board. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.” She concluded the message with a red heart emoji, signaling her sincerity.
Despite the apology, the moment ignited yet another debate about the responsibility of public figures to respect and correctly use people’s chosen pronouns.
The Broader Issue of Misgendering
Smith has been candid about the challenges of being misgendered. In a past interview, they acknowledged that adjusting language can be difficult but emphasized the importance of trying.
“It’s hard for people to change their vocabulary; that’s very, very difficult. It takes time,” they said. “Everyone messes up. I’m going to be misgendered until the day I die.”
However, they also expressed how much it means to them when people do make the effort.
“When people use my pronouns correctly, it’s a wonderful feeling. I feel safe, happy, and completely seen.”
Advocates for trans and non-binary equality emphasize that respecting someone’s pronouns isn’t just a matter of courtesy—it’s about acknowledging their identity and validating their existence.
They stress that public figures, particularly those in media, should be mindful of their language, as their words can shape perceptions and influence societal attitudes.
As discussions around gender identity continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: for those who identify as non-binary, something as simple as using the right pronouns can make all the difference.
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