A gasp was heard far and wide when Sam Smith admitted he didn’t like Michael Jackson’s music. Smith was vacationing with former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert when he made the statement and it didn’t take long for many online to roll their eyes at the Grammy award winner.
Singer Stephanie Mills learned of Smith’s comments and didn’t take kindly to them. Mills hopped on Instagram Monday (Aug. 13) to call Smith out and remind him there’s a reason why MJ is referred to as the King of Pop.
“@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,” the 61-year-old said.
“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 one 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.”
Mills passionate response to Smith may have something to do with the fact she and Jackson dated. Back in 2012, during an interview with Atlanta’s V103, the “Something In The Way You Make Me Feel” singer revealed she and Jackson were together for quite some time.
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“I loved Michael. I thought that I was going to be Mrs. Michael Jackson, but I was ready at 20 and 21 to get married and he was not even close to getting married or having a girlfriend at the time, but yes we dated. We dated for a while,” she said.
Mills spoke in depth about kissing Jackson, and while they never wed, she maintains he was always a gentleman and kind-hearted.
“[His kiss] was wonderful. He was very affectionate, very loving, very sensitive. Michael was really misunderstood. Honestly, I really just think he was misunderstood because he was so sensitive,” she explained.
Smith has yet to respond to the backlash over his comments. However, a larger conversation has erupted. Is it okay for the younger generation of artists to not be fans of the older generation, or should the younger generation always pay homage to those who came before them?
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READ MORE: Sam Smith Admits To Not Being A Michael Jackson Fan