Sam Smith has just discovered racism exists, is really upset

Photo: WENN

Sam Smith has just discovered racism. He's really upset about it. The people of Twitter aren't particularly sympathetic though, with many pointing out that his resolve to "shine a light" on his newfound discovery is both patronising and a little ignorant.

Late last night, the singer took to Twitter to explain that he'd just witnessed a friend getting racially abused in London. "I never ever ever ever thought that would happen here," he wrote. Really, Sam?

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

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

Without wasting any time, the people of Twitter were quick to point out exactly what was problematic about Smith's tweets.

When you need examples or when you need to actually 'witness' or 'experience' an oppression for it to be 'true' then you lack empathy
— Vanessa Babirye (@Scarlet_Voice) January 20, 2016

'I didn't know it existed until it happened to me' how about you listen when people tell you. People have been telling you.
— Vanessa Babirye (@Scarlet_Voice) January 20, 2016

Join us next week for Sam Smith Discovers Problems. pic.twitter.com/v2TqsKJ6uz
— Sarah_Woolley (@Sarah_Woolley) January 20, 2016

Even in the absence of other ethnicities, you MUST have heard racist remarks amongst white people themselves.
— Almost Dr Dan (@almostdoctordan) January 20, 2016

I witnessed all my friends get racially abused by the time we were 11. That's why I don't get Sam Smith can be from London & so naive. Idgi.
— Congolesa Rice (@judeinlondon) January 20, 2016

"I never ever ever ever thought that would happen here" really? The city of Stephen Lawrence & Mark Duggan & stop and search? Ok den.
— Congolesa Rice (@judeinlondon) January 20, 2016

…seriously? How is your music heavily influenced with R&B and gospel @samsmithworld but you don’t know the pain behind it or the origin?
— Kiyo Kirkwood (@KiyoDandre) January 20, 2016