Sam Smith's latest photoshoot sparks extreme reactions online (Image via Getty Images)
English singer and songwriter Sam Smith is once again facing controversy for their photoshoot for Perfect magazine, which was released on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Ad
The Unholy singer had previously shared an Instagram story of the cover page for the magazine's Issue 4, which focuses on the theme of "autonomy." The shoot featured them lying face down in a revealing outfit, paired with matching gloves and shoes.
A description of the issue, which aims to celebrate those who are unapologetically true to themselves, reads:
"Autonomy: the power of self, of personal choice, of independence. It is the ability to make one’s own decisions, to live as we see fit."
Ad
Sam Smith came out as non-binary in 2019 and has since spoken about expressing one’s identity and s*xuality.
The artistic photoshoot left internet users divided, with many fuming, calling it "ridiculous," while others defended the singer. User@oldhoiselover1 commented:
Ad
Netizens are divided over Sam Smith's Perfect magazine photoshoot
Sam Smith's controversial photoshoot has left netizens clearly divided. As the news spread, many took to social media to share their reactions.
Those proud of the Fire on Fire singer praised them for their "boldness," and called them a future "pop icon." They expressed their appreciation for the artist representing a certain underrepresented demographic of people.
Ad
User Jd, @jdizzlestewart, called out the people who were speaking negatively about the singer and mocked them in his tweet:
A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@jdizzlestewart)
User @joonslovebot called critics "fatphobic," stating:
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Here are some other comments seen online, praising the Unholy singer:
A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@SmithCharts)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@TheTabbyLamb)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@Lottie_Lamour)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@javsy)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@wreckno)
Despite the praises, many were critical of the shoot. They pointed out that the ill-fitting outfit was not "amazing," as many netizens suggested it was. Others remarked that a lot of undeserving things pass off as "art."
Ad
User @Ginn_Chaos hinted that it was a cry for help, stating:
Ad
Ad
Ad
User @_lexitherealtor, mocked the singer, stating:
"It's giving Illuminati and mind control (vibes)"
A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Instagram /@)
Here are some other comments seen criticizing Sam Smith:
Ad
A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Twitter /@)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Instagram /@)A comment reacting to the Perfect shoot (Image via Instagram /@)
Singer Sam Smith has been in the news recently for their provocative music video for the song, I’m Not Here To Make Friends.
Ad
Just a short week following this, the Dancing with a Stranger singer faced backlash for their "satanic" performance for Unholy during the 2023 Grammys.
Smith is yet to comment on the photo shoot.
×
Feedback
Why did you not like this content?
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
About the author
Nirali Sheth
Nirali has been a popular culture writer at Sportskeeda for the past 1.5 years, covering celebrity/influencer trends and profile/histories, political news, crime reports, and lifestyle. She completed her Bachelor's in Architecture from University of Mumbai and Masters in Heritage Conservation from University of Southern California. Professionally, Nirali has a strong 7.5-year experience working as an architect, an Assistant Archivist and a Digital Archivist across three companies.
Nirali’s educational qualifications and unique career trajectory put great emphasis on research and writing, which along with her personal interest in popular culture, led her to the current role at Sportskeeda. Her specialties are researching histories, crime stories, and developing general knowledge pieces.
The most crucial step in Nirali’s reporting is rigorous fact-checking, and she relies on information from primary sources only for her news. In the absence of a primary source, Nirali double, and even triple-checks information from multiple sources before presenting them to her readers. Strictly anti-AI, she believes in giving credits wherever necessary.
Nirali’s favorite celebrities are Mark Ruffalo and Dolly Parton, and she admires them for their support of humanity and advocacy for what is right. An avid reader, Nirali can be found nose-deep in a new book when she is away from her keyboard. Nirali also loves to illustrate in her free time.