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23rd February 2023
03:01pm GMT
Sam Smith identifies as non-binary and has asked to be referred to using the pronouns 'they/them' (Getty)[/caption]
But he repeatedly referred to Smith as 'he' despite the fact that the 'Unholy' singer identifies as non-binary and has asked people to use the pronouns 'they/them' when being addressed.
Geldof said: "Sam Smith, I remember him at the microphone had his eyes closed, and he was singing away to the song, and I said 'Sam, they're not the words'. He goes, 'oh yeah, sorry'.
"Because we had re-written the words for I think the Ebola crisis in west Africa.
"And he says 'sorry', so off he goes, he closes his eyes again and he starts singing the original words. I said 'Sam', and he goes 'oh yes, sorry, every year in school I have to sing this song'".
Whilst Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield did not seem to clock Geldof's use of the wrong pronouns, several watching at home picked up on the mistakes.
Among the viewers following the interview, one asked by Bob Geldof was not 'briefed on Sam's gender identity', another declared it 'a painful watch' and another said the veteran singer should 'get with the times'.
Geldof is the latest person to misgender Smith in recent weeks. Both Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh landed themselves in hot water by referring to Smith using 'he/him' pronouns.
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