Sam Smith Criticized for ‘Satanic’ and ‘Grotesque’ Performance at Gloria the Tour

Sam Smith has come under fire over skimpy outfits and religious imagery on their latest tour. "Stay With Me" singer Smith — who shared in 2019 that they are non-binary and use they/them pronouns — is on the road on their Gloria world tour. Smith, whose performance at this year's Brit Awards received over 100 complaints, kicked off the shows this week, but not everyone was impressed by some of their stage looks.

Smith's new look has caused major upset from some on social media and in the press, with complaints about 'satanism' following their performances at the Grammy and Brit awards, and their music video for "I’m Not Here To Make Friends" seeing an almost-never-before-seen wave of pearl-clutching that the video was inappropriate for children. The star was hit with major criticism as clips from their Sheffield show went viral, with the musician doing what they are well known to do, including wearing little and acting provocatively. 

Smith can be seen dressed in a series of daring looks with red devil horns, sheer veils, and wire crowns before changing into nipple tassels and fishnets. They also held a sequined red pitchfork, with flames on stage surrounding Smith and their dancers and band. In another image, Smith can be seen belting out their hits in fishnets and skimpy pants. One person tweeted that they thought it was “disgusting”, while another said they thought the star went “too far”.

“Last night Sam Smith performed a satanic show filled with sexual references, fetish gear, a strip tease and a grotesque imitation of sex acts on stage while children were in the audience,” internet personality Oli London tweeted.

"[Sam Smith] is a disgusting satanic pervert," tweeted another critic, continuing, "Any serious society would give this demon the Old Yeller treatment." "This is not art, this is not classy," somebody tweeted, adding that it was "attention-grabbing" behavior. "Put some freakin' clothes on," somebody else said.

However, others disagreed and thought Smith was "flawless" on stage. One said the gig was "phenomenal". Another fan posted, "People coming for Sam Smith for their 'provocative and satanic' show need to get a grip. Where were you all when Madonna, Britney, Christina, Lil Nas X, etc were doing similar? It's entertainment. If you don't wanna see it, don't watch it." One suggested, "Whatever tickles your pickle, but make these shows 18+."

Earlier this year, Smith recalled the public reaction to their gender identity and the abuse they have suffered since announcing they use they/them pronouns. The Grammy award-winning singer was asked by presenter Zane Lowe about their experience since having announced they were non-binary during an interview to promote their latest album, "Gloria." Smith explained on Apple Music 1 that there hasn't been a single negative reaction in their personal life. They said that they communicate "even better" now with their family. They went on to reveal that their love life has benefited too, saying they feel "lovable" and "comfortable" in their skin. They said that since changing their pronouns it feels "like a coming home".

Smith, however, also opened up about the negative reaction, saying it's been in their public life. "Just the amount of hate and s***ness that came my way was just exhausting," they said. "What people don't realize with trans and 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 added. They admitted that 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". They continued by expressing concern for queer individuals who aren't celebrities. They said, "It's just so sad that we're in 2023 and it's still happening. It's exhausting."