Sam Smith fans have argued that the star deserves better after they were repeatedly misgendered by a reporter on the Grammy's red carpet.
The 30-year-old singer - who prefers they/them pronouns rather than he/him - had earned themselves a momentous win alongside Kim Petras for Best Pop Duo, for their collaboration on the single 'Unholy,' which they both performed at the awards ceremony.
Petras and Smith had earlier arrived on the red carpet dressed in bright red outfits, accompanied by their music video co-stars (and RuPaul's Drag Race icons) Gottmik and Violet Chachki.
People think Sam Smith was "worshiping the devil" during their Grammys performance:While the group was dominating the red carpet, a reporter from Associated Press (AP) commented on their look, saying (via The Independent): "Sam Smith has had a lot of controversy around his outfits this past year, I love that he's continuing to push the mold, love that he's continuing to break out from the Sam Smith that we knew at the ballads.
"He's still singing those ballads, but he's definitely diving fully in, into pop music, and we can see that, not only in his music, but also in his looks as well."
Footage of other AP journalists - as well as journalists from other outlets - misgendering Smith has made the rounds on social media, and fans are not happy.
"Yo associated press your presenter just misgendered sam smith about 35 times in the space of 2 minutes," someone wrote.
"[E! News] Just an FYI, Sam Smith's pronouns are They/Them NOT He/Him. Y'all misgendered them while giving them flowers for allowing Kim to have her moment [sic]," another tweet read.
"Sam Smith continuously being misgendered makes me so upset like its been YEARS since they came out why are ppl still being ignorant and transphobic it's awful," a further user added.
One person highlighted the ridicule that Smith has faced for their style and music videos, pointing out that Harry Styles has played with the idea of femininity and been praised for it, writing: "Harry styles, a straight man shows femininity and wears dresses in videos and gets praised for it, sam smith a non binary person does the same and is misgendered and shamed. social media makes me sick [sic]."
Smith has identified as non-binary and has used they/them pronouns since September 2019, when they took to Instagram to make the announcement.
"Today is a good day so here goes. I've decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM [...] 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.
"I'm so excited and privileged to be surrounded by people that support me in this decision but I've been very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but f**k it! I understand there will be many mistakes and mis gendering but all I ask is you please please try. I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you," Smith added.