Ricky Gervais has mocked Sam Smith's BRIT Awards outfit in a tweet that's divided fans. The comedian shared an image of Smith's red-carpet look from the weekend on Twitter.
But the 61-year-old photoshopped his own head on Sam's body. The tweet seemed to imply that the pop star was seeking attention in the outfit they selected to wear - an all-in-one latex suit with bulbous legs and shoulders.
Ricky's tweet amused some, but others reminded The Office star that Sam is no different to iconic stars like David Bowie - who Ricky was friendly with - in their unique wardrobe choices. Sam - who uses gender-neutral pronouns - inspired a million memes, as they stepped out in the latex outfit, reports MirrorOnline.
Fans loved the Like I Can singer injecting a bit of fun into the star-studded event. But posting to his Twitter followers on Sunday, Ricky shared a photoshopped image of himself wearing Sam's much talked-about ensemble.
He sarcastically captioned the image: "The Worst thing about being famous is the lack of privacy. I can't even walk down the street without people looking and pointing."
The tweet divided Ricky's fans, with one replying: "I must say, much as this guy isn't my cup of tea, it doesn't bother me what he's up to. In fact, i only see things about him from older men who seem increasingly upset about what younger generations are doing. This stuff happened in your generation too. You do know that, grandpa?"
"Bowie was doing it in the 70s," another added alongside the late singer wearing a similar outfit to Sam's BRIT Awards fit.
"I agree Bowie is far far superior to Sam Smith in terms of talent that their talent can't be compared. That's not to say the idea of shock factor can't be. Even Jagger used to wear dresses etc," a third mused.
Many liked and retweeted the gag and sided with Ricky, with one tweeting: "Yeah but Bowie was naturally cool enough to pull it off. Sam Smith just looks like they photoshopped some office clerk onto the suit."
One of Sam's fans defended the star from criticism, tweeting: "Welcome to the heteronormative group of now officially old aged men, Ricky Gervais. You now belong to the Piers Morgans of the world in your glee of #SamSmith and his costume. Bowie would be proud."
Another argued: "People will say they loved Bowie, but be really weirdly angry at Sam Smith Just nostalgia mixed with wanting to be really offended by completely inoffensive things lol"
Earlier this year, Sam - who is non-binary - opened up about the public reaction to their gender identity and the abuse they have suffered since announcing they use they/them pronouns. Sam was asked by presenter Zane Lowe, 49, about their experience since having announced they were non-binary during an interview to promote their latest album, Gloria.
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The Brit Award winner said 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.
Sam said their love life has benefited too, saying they feel "lovable" and "comfortable" in their own skin. They said that since changing their pronouns it feels "like a coming home".
Sam 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 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.
The singer said 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. Sam said: "It's just so sad like that we're in 2023 and it's still happening. It's exhausting".
