Lorraine Kelly has apologised after repeatedly misgendering singer Sam Smith while presenting her ITV show on Thursday.
The Scottish host, 63, was chatting all things Barbie with Vogue Williams, 37, following the film’s European premiere at London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday night.
While discussing the fashion on the pink carpet, Kelly accidentally referred to the non-binary hitmaker, who uses they/them pronouns, as a male after Smith opted for a massively oversized ensemble instead of the film’s signature pink.
The singer, who features on the highly-anticipated movie’s album, turned up in baggy blue jeans and a large navy crew-neck sweatshirt.
Discussing Smith’s decision to shun the pink for a more laidback look, Kelly said: “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.”
After seemingly unintentional misgendering the British star, viewers took to Twitter to air their frustration over Kelly’s slip.
One viewer commented: “Sam Smith being one of the most well known non binary people … #Lorraine using ‘he, his, son, man, fella’ — literally as many male pronouns as she could fit in in a two min segment.
“She knew exactly what she was doing!”
Another said of the blunder: “Oops another clanger naughty Lorraine… calling Sam Smith a fella.”
“VERY lazy journalism not addressing Sam Smith with they/them pronouns… come on — seriously!!, a third tweeted.
A viewer further added: “Not Lorraine misgendering Sam Smith over and over!! 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.”
Amid the backlash, Kelly addressed her slip-up and thanked viewers for making her aware of her misgendering Smith.
Fair comment Ollie. Not in the least intentional but will take on board - thanks for bringing to my attention ❤️ https://t.co/h3ISCdhdjs
— Lorraine (@reallorraine) July 13, 2023
She tweeted: “Fair comment Ollie. Not in the least intentional but will take on board — thanks for bringing to my attention.”
