By Amanda Wicks
Sam Smith responded to all the haters who criticized him for being shocked racism exists in 2016. The singer posted a message to Instagram on Wednesday evening (Jan. 20) with the caption, “Please Read.”
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The image states, “For the record, I was merely sharing an experience that I had in the hope it would draw attention to how ridiculous it is to be racist in 2016. 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.”
On Monday, Smith experienced the Internet’s mockery when people responded to his shock and disgust that a good friend experienced verbal abuse from a racist in London. While Smith was trying to convey dismay that such attitudes and behaviors still existed, the world responded quite differently. Media outlets and Twitter users alike criticized his seeming naiveté.
Just experienced my friend getting verbally abused racially in London. I am absolutely SPEECHLESS.
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Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I never ever ever ever thought that would happen here. Absolutely speechless and hurt.
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Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016