Charli XCX has addressed the “hateful” comments aimed at Sam Smith online.

The Speed Drive singer took to TikTok on Tuesday to praise Sam, who uses they/them pronouns, for their ability to “withstand” the “hateful” comments that they receive on social media.

“Hi everyone. I’m about to release a song with Sam Smith, and the experience has been really interesting,” Charli, 35, began in the selfie-style video. “Never in my life have I seen someone receive so many hateful comments online. It’s honestly been really disheartening. But at the same time, I’m so proud of Sam’s ability to withstand that, because I know that I certainly couldn’t withstand that.”

The British singer concluded the video by expressing her love for the Unholy hitmaker, 31.

“So I just want to say Sam, I love you, I love our song together and I am in awe of your strength,” she said.

Over the weekend, Charli and Sam announced on Instagram that they will be dropping a new song, titled In the City, on Thursday. The song will mark the duo’s first collaboration.

Soon after Charli posted about the forthcoming song, the comments section was flooded with fans asking her to release a solo version of the song.

“we love you but please release a version without sam,” one fan wrote, while another commented, “Dare you to release a version without Sam Smith.”

– Cover Media