Lorraine Kelly responds to viewer backlash after repeatedly misgendering Sam Smith

Lorraine Kelly has responded after being called out for misgendering Sam Smith.

The pop star has for a while now gone by the they/them pronouns, rather than he/him, and as such, it's caused a fair bit of confusion a long the way for some people.

Most recently, it was the Scottish television presenter's turn, with Lorraine using the wrong pronouns during an interview with Vogue Williams.

On today's (13 July) episode of Lorraine, the pair sat down for a chat to have a look back at the red carpet looks from the premiere of the long-awaited live action Barbie movie.

As well as the film's stars, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Smith was one of those in attendance, having written the song 'Man I Am' for the soundtrack.

ITV/Lorraine

However, while Williams used they/them during the conversation, Lorraine seemingly unknowingly and accidentally continued with he/him.

“It’s a bit big for him,” Lorraine said. “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."

Not correcting the host, Williams continued, using the correct pronouns, saying: "I'd be into the jumper but maybe for the airport. It wasn't Barbiecore but it's their own style."

Not catching the hint, Lorraine carried on: "I know but he looks like a wee shrinking man. Oh bless him."

The mistake wasn't missed by those watching at home, with many upset by Lorraine's words.

Taking to Twitter, one user said: "Uh ohhh Lorraine Kelly just called Sam Smith a him!"

Another wrote: "Not Lorraine misgendering Sam Smith over and over!!"

"I guess Lorraine didn’t get the memo about Sam Smith and their chosen pronouns, awkward," put a third.

Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

While someone else commented: “@reallorraine VERY lazy journalism not addressing Sam Smith with they/them pronouns… come on - seriously!! #Lorraine."

Understandably, it can be quite hurtful to hear someone being misgendered maliciously, however, Lorraine was clear to point out that it was a complete accident.

Responding to the comment above, the 63-year-old said that she didn't mean any harm by it and would learn to take more care in the future.

She said: “Fair comment Ollie. Not in the least intentional but will take on board - thanks for bringing to my attention."

I mean, presenters are always running the gauntlet when it comes to live television, so you can see how it can happen.

Topics: Entertainment, LGBTQ+, Lorraine, Music, Sam Smith, UK News, TV And Film

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers is the News/Agenda Desk Lead, covering the latest trends and breaking stories. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History, he went on to write for the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express. So as you can imagine, he’s spent many a night wondering just how useful that second language has been. But c'est la vie.

@SmithersDom