Sam Smith sparks debate about age restrictions over raunchy new music video
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The music video for Sam Smith's new single has divided the internet, as people debate age restrictions for music videos.
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Smith, who released their new album Gloria on Friday, unveiled the clip for their new single, 'I'm Not Here to Make Friends'.
The glamorous extravaganza features Smith, 30, arriving at a castle via helicopter before dancing alongside scantily clad dancers wearing corsets and suspenders.
In one scene dancers are filmed writhing on beds wearing only black leather pants.
While the video has mostly gone down a treat with fans of the powerhouse vocalist, other viewers are less than impressed and have called for the clip to be censored.
A debate has now erupted on Twitter as people argue over whether the video should be age restricted on platforms like YouTube or if people think the video is more outrageous than it actually is because of its queer imagery.
One disappointed Twitter user wrote: "No f***ing need, it's blatant tacky sexualised bulls**t. As a mum of teenagers I'm sick of seeing people using s**t like this to sell their music.
"I would be saying this about anyone who put out a video like this.
"It's not about #SamSmith gender, I don't care about their gender."
There was lots of 'concern for the children'-type tweets. "I can’t believe kids look up to @samsmith. This s**t should be banned on YouTube," someone else complained.
While one compares weirdly compared the sexually liberating music video to self-confessed misogynist Andrew Tate. "If we’re crunching down on Andrew Tate for apparently warping children’s minds…we should be banishing Sam Smith to Mars. #SAMSMITH #AndrewTate."
Amongst the reactions, spectators were quick to point out that music videos by women or featuring women in similar scenarios don't get the same criticism as Smith, who identifies as gay and non-binary.
One tweet said: "If women can produce videos acting 'vulgar' and being 'very sexual', why can't Sam Smith? Everyone seems to be alright seeing female singers do it, but not alright seeing #SAMSMITH do it. The songs your 8 year olds sing are all about having sex, so maybe think on that!!!"
Other social media users declared that parents should be more vigilant about what their children watch on the web if they're so concerned about Smith's new image.
"People moaning that kids might see Sam Smith’s music video is cracking me up," another person shared. "Why do parents think it’s everyone else’s job except theirs to parent their ratty kids? It was YOUR choice to have them, maybe it’s YOUR job to monitor what they’re watching online."
In a tweet bemoaning the backlash, a Twitter user penned: "All this Sam Smith ridicule just proves that heterosexual, cis people don’t want queer people being visibly queer in public: 'I’m fine with you being gay, just don’t show it'.
"And you know what? F*ck that."
LADbible has contacted Universal Music Group for comment.
