Lorraine Kelly slammed for misgendering Sam Smith in 'awkward' segment

13 July 2023 , 12:08
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Lorraine Kelly slammed for misgendering Sam Smith in
Lorraine Kelly slammed for misgendering Sam Smith in 'awkward' segment

Lorraine Kelly was criticised by viewers after misgendering Sam Smith during an 'awkward' segment about their Barbie premiere look.

Last night, Unholy singer Sam made an appearance on the London pink carpet for the highly-anticipated movie dressed in an oversized black sweatshirt and oversized flared light blue jeans.

Most of the stars attending the premiere chose to don Barbie-inspired outfits while Sam went for a more casual look.

During Thursday's episode of Lorraine, the presenter and guest Vogue Williams discussed the outfits for the premiere during a fashion segment.

Lorraine, 63, referred to Sam – who came out as non-binary in 2019 and prefers to be referred to with they/them pronouns – with male pronouns.

Red-faced Lorraine blindsided by raunchy texts from husband during live show eiqekiqxziddtinvRed-faced Lorraine blindsided by raunchy texts from husband during live show

The ITV segment saw Lorraine repeatedly call them a 'fella' as well as 'he' and 'him'. Looking at the photo of their premiere outfit, Lorraine said: "Oh he's dressed down."

She continued: "It's a bit big for him. If he was my son, I'd say, 'son, that was a bit big for you.' He looks like the wee shrinking man, bless him."

Lorraine Kelly slammed for misgendering Sam Smith in 'awkward' segmentLorraine was criticised for misgendering Sam Smith on today's show (ITV)

Meanwhile, Vogue used Sam's correct pronouns as she explained they would "certainly stand out on the red carpet".

Lorraine continued: "He'll stand out. He knows what he's doing does that fella."

Fans were unimpressed with the presenter's misgendering and took to social media to slam the TV presenter.

"I guess Lorraine didn't get the memo about Sam Smith and their chosen pronouns, awkward," one user said. Another tweeted: "@Lorraine having none of Sam Smith and their pronouns. Using 'him' as many times in one sentence as she could!"

"Not Lorraine misgendering Sam Smith over and over!," one disappointed user wrote. "She's normally pretty good with this stuff. Vogue looked visibly uncomfortable! And she seemed to be emphasising THEY too for Lorraine to pick up on it but it didn't work!! I'm sure she'll be upset she got it wrong."

"VERY lazy journalism not addressing Sam Smith with they/them pronouns... come on - seriously!!," another pointed out.

Lorraine then responded to one critic, who has since deleted their tweet, as she wrote: "Fair comment Ollie. Not in the least intentional but will take on board - thanks for bringing to my attention" followed by a red heart emoji.

Lorraine Kelly slammed for misgendering Sam Smith in 'awkward' segmentSam rocked an oversized outfit for the premiere (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Lorraine Kelly slammed for misgendering Sam Smith in 'awkward' segmentLorraine discussed their outfit on her show (Getty Images for Warner Bros.)

Grammy Award winner Sam – who is known for hits like Latch and Like I Can – previously spoke about having sadly faced a backlash over their decision to use they/them pronouns four years ago.

Happy Valley fans fume as no warning given before major spoiler on live TVHappy Valley fans fume as no warning given before major spoiler on live TV

They discussed the reaction, revealing during an interview for Apple Music that they have received abuse in the streets of the UK.

Sam was asked by presenter Zane Lowe about their experiences with the change. The Brit Award winner said that there hasn't been a single negative reaction in their personal life. Sam said that they communicate "even better" now with their family.

The singer also said their love life has benefited too, saying they feel "lovable" and "comfortable" in their own skin. They said that since changing their pronouns it feels "like coming home".

The star revealed the negative reaction only comes from strangers.

"What people don't realize with trans [or] non-binary people in the UK is it's happening in the street. Like I'm being abused in the street verbally more than I ever have," they said.

The singer said that had been the "hardest part" of their experience and recalled being shouted at in the street. They added: "Someone spat at me like in the street. It's crazy".

Zara Woodcock

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