Sam Smith apologies for ‘whitesplaining’ racism
By Ben Kelly
Sam Smith has taken to Instagram to apologise after his comments about racism were blasted yesterday by the media.
Sam expressed his surprise at witnessing racist abuse in London yesterday (20 Jan), and said he felt he needed to do something to shine a light on the problem.
Just experienced my friend getting verbally abused racially in London. I am absolutely SPEECHLESS.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I never ever ever ever thought that would happen here. Absolutely speechless and hurt.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I feel like I have to shine some sort of light on it. The police were so unhelpful in the situation and its deeply shocked me.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I feel like I have to say something. I’m just so upset. So UPSET
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
His honest outpouring of concern was then ridiculed by various media outlets who criticised him for taking on the issue, with many on social media accusing him of ‘whitesplaining’ the problem.
Posting on Instagram last night, Sam said, “For the record, I was merely sharing an experience I had in the hope it would draw attention to how ridiculous it is to be racist in 2016.”
Clearly in response to claims he had made the issue about himself, he added, “This is not about me in any way, it’s about a deep rooted issue we have in our society that should now be extinct.”
He also wrote, “I don’t profess to know or remotely understand what it means to be on the receiving end of racist abuse, but having been bullied my whole life for being gay, what I do know is that it is wrong and completely unacceptable.”
The 23 year old was nominated this month for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, for his Spectre Bond theme ‘The Writing’s On The Wall.’
He later shared a slightly moody, bearded selfie, which possibly summed up how he felt about the day.
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