Myles Smith Speaks Out Against Online Harassment

Myles Smith has taken to Instagram to address the darker side of his meteoric rise to fame. The 26-year-old, who was recently named BBC Introducing’s Artist of the Year, shared a serious message about facing daily “passive aggressive messages, abuse, and threats” from fans and strangers alike.

Smith’s post comes after a remarkable year that saw him achieve a top five single, perform at Glastonbury, and surpass one billion streams. His breakout hit Stargazing even earned a spot on former US President Barack Obama’s summer playlist.

“I make music. That’s it,” Smith wrote, expressing frustration at being dehumanized by critics who claim he doesn’t deserve his success. He also mentioned receiving racist messages too disturbing to repeat.

The Luton native, who is preparing to release his new EP “A Minute, A Moment” on May 23rd, concluded his message with a plea for kindness, noting that “kindness costs nothing. But it means everything.”

Smith’s experience reflects a growing trend among rising stars struggling with sudden fame in the social media era. Artists like PinkPantheress, who recently canceled her 2024 tour citing health concerns, Tate McRae, Gracie Abrams, Chappell Roan, and Jenna Ortega have all spoken out about the challenges of maintaining boundaries with fans while navigating newfound visibility.