Sam Smith reveals childhood bullying led to drastic move
English singer Sam Smith has opened up about their experiences with childhood bullying, revealing that the pain of constant teasing led them to undergo liposuction at the age of 13.
Early bullying and surgery
Smith shared on Penn Badgley’s ‘Podcrushed’ podcast that the bullying they endured as a child deeply affected their self-image.
“I had surgery on my chest when I was 13 years old, because I had a growing chest,” they said. “There were all sorts of reasons why, but mainly, I was just getting so teased. I couldn’t go swimming in school, and getting changed in the locker room was hell. So I got liposuction when I was 13 years old.”
They joked about their younger self, describing being “chubby, round and pink,” and admitting an “addiction to sausage rolls.”
Growing up queer
Smith also described the difficulties of growing up as a queer child, saying secondary school was often harsh and uncomfortable.
“I was just so obviously gay, and everyone knew before I did. So, secondary school, those first few years were crazy, because everyone was just calling me gay the whole time,” they said. “I was very dramatic, very sensitive, and I had loads of girlfriends around me. I was all the girls' best gay friend.”
About the interview
The 33-year-old artist spoke openly about self-acceptance, humor, and resilience, offering an honest look back at their teenage years and how early struggles shaped their identity.
Author’s summary: Sam Smith reflected on enduring bullying as a teen, sharing how body image struggles and early queer identity shaped their journey toward self-acceptance.