Charli XCX Says Seeing Avalanche of Hateful Comments Aimed at Sam Smith Has Been ‘Really Disheartening’

As she gears up to release a joint single with Sam Smith, Charli XCX is opening up about the dark underbelly of hate that she has witnessed online aimed at her after announcing an upcoming joint single, “In the City,” with her longtime friend and collaborator. In a confessional TikTok, the “Speed Drive” singer praised Smith’s ability to rise above the rude and hurtful comments hurled their way by online haters.

“Hi everyone. I’m about to release a song with Sam Smith, and the experience has been really interesting,” Charli said in street-shot selfie video in which she is wearing a robe and clips in her hair on what looks like a video set. “Never in my life have I seen someone receive so many hateful comments online. It’s been really disheartening.”

While Charli did not point to any specific comments or posts, she gave Smith props for not letting the bile get to them. “At the same time, I am so proud of Sam’s ability to withstand that because I know I certainly couldn’t withstand it. So, I want to say: Sam, I love you, I love our song together, and I am in awe of your strength,” she said.

After a tease last week, over the weekend, Smith and XCX announced that “In the City” will drop on Thursday (Oct. 19). The first taste of the song included a street-side lip-synch video in which Smith strutted down an alley in Osaka, Japan singing over a dance-pop track. “I knew the night that I met you/ Underneath the New York City lights,” they sang. “Baby, don’t matter what I do/ There’s an angel standing by my side.”

Days before, Charli teased a very similar-sounding track with the same side-eye and skyline emoji.

Watch Charli’s TikTok below.