Sam Smith said 'we're all learning together' after Shawn Mendes apologized for misgendering them
- Shawn Mendes apologized to Sam Smith after using the wrong pronouns to introduce the "Diamonds" singer at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball virtual event on Thursday.
- In June 2019, Smith wrote in an Instagram post that their pronouns are they/them.
- After the event on Thursday, Mendes wrote in an Instagram story: "Oh @samsmith I'm so sorry for referring to you as a 'he' for your jingle ball introduction. It absolutely slipped my mind. Won't happen again... Sending you so much love!"
- Smith replied to Mendes, writing: "We're all learning together. Happy holidays, all my love xx."
Shawn Mendes apologized to Sam Smith for misgendering the singer, or using pronouns other than the ones the person prefers, during an introduction at Thursday's virtual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.
Smith, the musician behind the hit songs "Diamonds" and "Stay With Me," said in a March 2019 interview that they identify as nonbinary. In September 2019, Smith wrote in an Instagram post that their pronouns are they/them.
Mendes said that he wrongly referred to Smith as "he" while introducing them at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball event. Following the concert, Mendes took to his Instagram story to apologize.
"Oh @samsmith I'm so sorry for referring to you as a 'he' for your jingle ball introduction," Mendes wrote. "It absolutely slipped my mind. Won't happen again... Sending you so much love!"
Smith responded to Mendes' apology, writing on their Instagram story: "We're all learning together. Happy holidays, all my love xx."
Smith wrote on Instagram in September 2019 that they changed their 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."
"I understand there will be many mistakes and misgendering but all I ask is you please please try," Smith wrote at the time. "I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you."
Smith continued: "I'm scared s---less, but feeling super free right now. Be kind."
During the iHeartRadio virtual holiday-themed concert on Thursday, Smith sang a cover of Frank Sinatra's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," as well as "Diamonds" and "Dancing with a Stranger." Other performers included Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, and Harry Styles.