Sam Smith proudly shows off body after music video backlash, netizens still divided on issue

With the release of their new studio album, “Gloria,” Sam Smith is embarking on a new chapter in their life and music career.

The album is undoubtedly shocking and thought-provoking, which is why when he released the music video for “I’m Not Here to Make Friends,” it caused quite a stir on social media—and not in a good way.

Netizens chastised Smith for releasing their “hypersexualized” and “vile” music video without age restrictions, citing the fact that he was wearing nipple pasties, no pants, and was taking part in what appeared to be a golden shower.

To respond to the haters, the “Unholy” singer took to Instagram and posted topless photos of themselves wearing only black, heart-shaped nipple pasties, pearl jewelry, and a pair of high-waisted bottoms.

Despite the fact that the post was only captioned with a black heart emoji, fans immediately understood what the singer was trying to convey.

Following the outpouring of criticism, Smith’s fans have emerged to respond to the 30-year-old singer’s detractors on social media, defending the music video and the apparent double standards imposed on Smith.

According to Page Six, many fans pointed out that the “I Know I’m Not The Only One” singer isn’t the only one who has released a provocative and suggestive music video, including Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, and others.

They accused the haters of double standards, blaming it on people’s distorted perceptions of body image and sexual orientation.

A Twitter user wrote:

“The backlash against Sam Smith is absolutely about people not wanting people to be overtly sexual unless they’re skinny.”

Another added:

“I really don’t get the outrage over Sam Smith’s music video. What’s different between them doing a video like this and when more or less every single female pop star does?! (Also, do people still watch music videos?)”

Daisy Jones, the writer of the piece, wrote:

“People aren’t outraged because it’s sexualized. They’re outraged because it’s overtly queer and sexualized. People don’t know what to do with their discomfort-so they decide that the video itself must be the problem. They’re offended, they think, so the video must be offensive.”