Michael Jackson’s Nephew Calls Sam Smith ‘Ignorant & Arrogant’ After MJ Comments

Sam Smith is still catching heat over a video that went viral this weekend where he admits he isn’t the biggest Michael Jackson fan.

While vacationing with fellow singer Adam Lambert, the British pop star is heard saying, “I don’t like Michael Jackson, but this is a good song” while “Human Nature” played in the background.

Oops! #SamSmith caught on camera by #AdamLambert saying he doesn’t like #MichaelJackson 👀

A post shared by The Archive of Shade (@theartofshade_) on Aug 10, 2018 at 4:09am PDT

Supporters of the “Stay With Me” singer quickly defended his right to share the unpopular opinion, but they were soon overwhelmed by Michael Jackson fans calling him out for being disrespectful, including R&B diva Stephanie Mills, who called Smith a “one-hit wonder” while checking him via Instagram.

@Samsmithworld Don’t come for MICHAEL JACKSON when you wish you have sold as many records and you wish you were the King of Pop like he was. I’m so tired of you people studying our music, and studying our artist and claiming that you don’t like our music. Go sit your 1 HIT WONDER ass down and learn how to finish a tour. When you can sell as many records as the king of Pop, Michael Jackson then maybe you can say something. So I say to you Mr. Smith have several seats and come for me if you want to.

A post shared by Stephanie Mills (@iamstephaniemills) on Aug 12, 2018 at 10:52am PDT

Jackson’s nephew, T.J. Jackson, is the latest to defend the King of Pop, calling Smith’s comment, “ignorant, disrespectful and arrogant.”

“Sam Smith made a career on singing R&B/soul music. So to look into a camera and disregard one of its pillars is ignorant, disrespectful and arrogant,” brother Tito’s son said directly into the camera. “Everyone has opinions but @samsmithworld don’t disparage a soul pioneer when they helped paved the way for you and your music.”

He went on, “Anyone can like ANYONE they want. What bothers me is SS is a popular SOUL artist. So when he looks into ANY camera there is a good chance what is said will become public 1day. And for HIM to disrespect ANY classic soul Motown/Stax/etc artist publicly is arrogant. Period. #respect.”

Check out his tweets below.

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Sam Smith made a career on singing R&B/soul music. So to look into a camera and disregard one of its pillars is ignorant, disrespectful and arrogant. Everyone has opinions but @samsmithworld don’t disparage a soul pioneer when they helped paved the way for you and your music. 🤫 pic.twitter.com/SzNQa2QAzr

— TJ Jackson (@tjjackson) August 13, 2018

Anyone can like ANYONE they want. What bothers me is SS is a popular SOUL artist. So when he looks into ANY camera there is a good chance what is said will become public 1day. And for HIM to disrespect ANY classic soul Motown/Stax/etc artist publicly is arrogant. Period. #respect

— TJ Jackson (@tjjackson) August 13, 2018

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Jessica Bennett

Born and raised in Compton, California, Jessica Bennett began her career as an intern at The Oakland Post, and later, The Source Magazine. She went on to write for respected hip hop publications such as DJ Booth and Hip Hop DX before becoming the Urban Editor of pop culture website, Wetpaint.com. She joined Ebony as the Entertainment Editor August 2017. Bennett has interviewed such names as Vanessa Williams, Spike Lee, Tyra Banks, Forest Whitaker, Magic & Cookie Johnson and several others.