Sam Smith Addresses Controversial Oscars Acceptance Speech On Twitter; Apologizes To Dustin Lance Black

Sam Smith has issued an apology after his now-infamous blunder at the 2016 Academy Awards. During the 88th annual award show, which aired on Sunday, the “Writing’s on The Wall” singer stated in his acceptance speech that he may be the first openly gay male to have won an Oscar — a statement that has since proven untrue.

After catching wind of the backlash, Smith, 23, took to Twitter to clear the air. He opened by telling his 4.15 million followers that the point was not whether or not her was the first — or even the second or third — gay man to accept an Oscar. He said he simply intended to spotlight the LGBT community, which he said he loves “so dearly.” Smith also apologized to Dustin Lance Black, the Oscar-winner who spoke out after feeling intentionally snubbed by the “Stay With Me” singer. He did not speak on claims that he had been texting Black's fiancé, Olympic diver Tom Daley.

Black, 41, the screenwriter behind 2008’s “Milk,” tweeted at Smith shortly after he delivered his acceptance speech for best original song. He told the singer that if he had “no idea” who he was, he should consider not contacting Daley again. Black later tweeted that “THE POINT” was to emphasise the importance of knowing LGBT history and honoring the “countless brave men and women” who came before them.

As was previously reported, Smith was made aware of his mistake backstage at the Academy Awards. According to Entertainment Weekly, a reporter pointed out to the Grammy award-winner that he was not the first gay Oscar winner. Smith took the news in stride, joking that “two is my lucky number.” But in fact, there have been six openly gay men and women who won Oscars before Smith.

Sir Elton John became the first openly gay Oscar honoree in 1994. He was nominated for his song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” which he wrote for “The Lion King.” Since then several others, including Sir John Gielgud (“Arthur”), composer John Corigliano (“The Red Violin”), composer-songwriter Stephen Sondheim (“Sooner or Later”) and more have won Academy Awards in various categories, the Wrap reports.

Smith appeared onstage twice during Sunday’s show, once to perform “Writing’s on the Wall,” the “Spectre” song for which he was nominated, and a second time to accept his statuette alongside co-writer Jimmy Napes. While accepting the award Smith referenced a Guardian article in which Sir Ian McKellen reportedly stated that no openly gay males had ever won an Oscar. The British musician told the audience that he was not sure whether or not that was true or not, but he was honored to have been chosen regardless. Smith then dedicated his win to “the LGBT community around the world.”