Sam Smith's anti-Barbiecore premiere look became a style talking point after the movie's European premiere in London, where most of the attendees opted to go all-out for pink tributes to the iconic doll and her Ken. So it was no surprise that Sam's look was discussed on a segment of Lorraine Kelly's self-titled morning show on 13 July with her guest Vogue Williams. However, Lorraine became a talking point with audiences after repeatedly failing to use the correct pronouns for Sam Smith.
Sam had worn an oversized jumper and wide leg jeans to the premiere which Lorraine Kelly described as a “a bit big”, though it was her repeated use of the wrong pronouns and familial terms to refer to their gender which caught viewers attention.
"Oooh, he's dressed down. Sam Smith, you've dressed down," Lorraine said when it came time to discuss Sam's look.
Vogue then said: "I'd be into the jumper but maybe for the airport. It wasn't Barbiecore but it's their own style."
Lorraine then responded: "I know but he looks like a wee shrinking man. Oh bless him."
Vogue continued: "It's certainly a different look from all the tall and the pink on the carpet."
"Exactly," Lorraine agreed. Adding: “It’s a bit big for him. If he was my son, I’d be saying, ‘Son, that’s too big for you’... He’s going to stand out. He knows what he’s doing, does that fella.”
Some viewers were angered by Lorraine's misuse of pronouns and quickly began tweeting at and about her.
“Lorraine clearly needs to get with the pronouns if you're gonna be a presenter. #lorraine [sic],” wrote one user.
While another said: “#lorraine having none of Sam Smith and their pronouns. Using 'him' as many times in one sentence as she could!!”
With Vogue Williams using the correct pronouns throughout the interview, some people on Twitter noted that she looked “uncomfortable” during the time Lorraine spoke about Sam.
"Not Lorraine misgendering Sam Smith over and over!!” said another comment. “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.”
Lorraine then responded to one comment, saying: “Fair comment Ollie. Not in the least intentional but will take on board – thanks for bringing to my attention.”
Sam came out as non-binary and gender queer in 2019, saying they'd be using them/they pronouns going forward.
The Insecure star opens up about the lengths it took to get into character, the costar who made the biggest impression, and why director Greta Gerwig described the film as “kind of batshit.”
“Today is a good day so here goes,” they shared on Twitter. “I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM. After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out…”
Last year, Sam discussed pronouns with Zane Lowe and said “mistakes happen” while people are “learning”.
“I think it’s really good for people to see you mess up… and then correct yourself. Because that’s what we’ve got to get used to, because changes in language, they take time to change," they said.
Hopefully this is an opportunity for Lorraine to take heed of Sam's musings on the topic.
Oscar-winning singer Sam is among those on the star-filled soundtrack for the Barbie movie, with their song Man I Am written from Ken's perspective. Other artists who feature include Billie Eilish, Charlie XCX and Nick Minaj.
Barbie is released 21 July.
