Many people describe Smith's tweets - which you'll see below - as 'naive' and that his oblivion to racism 'makes him part of the problem'.
Just experienced my friend getting verbally abused racially in London. I am absolutely SPEECHLESS.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I never ever ever ever thought that would happen here. Absolutely speechless and hurt.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I feel like I have to shine some sort of light on it. The police were so unhelpful in the situation and its deeply shocked me.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
Humans are HUMANS
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I feel like I have to say something. I'm just so upset. So UPSET
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
I just got home and Nina Simone is on the radio - fitting
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) January 20, 2016
After the backlash, he responded by posting a message to his Instagram page defending his stance:
In any case, he might think twice about how he uses his voice to get his point across in future.