Sam Smith x Jameela Jamil on body image and self acceptance | I Weigh Interviews

Jameela Jamil sits down with award-winning singer songwriter Sam Smith to discuss body image, gender, shame, and self acceptance.
Director: Stacy Stutts
Producer: Meg Ellis
Associate Producer: Erin Finnegan
Music: James Blake
Directors of Photography: Leah Anova and Kristen DiLiello
Audio: Fernanda Starling
Post Producer: Shannon Preece-Clacker
Editor: Val Thrasher
Assistant Editor: Javier De Santiago and Cody Stauffer
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ABOUT I WEIGH
Founded in March 2018 by Jameela Jamil, I Weigh is a community allyship platform built to share ideas and stories that ultimately mobilize activism. Growing beyond our original Instagram community, we now offer a place for original content that explores social issues that stem from mental health to climate change to the representation of marginalized groups. Through this powerful content we’re committed to breaking down different stereotypes in the world; teaching each other how to practically and effectively use our time and energy to make actual change both in our own communities and globally.
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[@alexba1ley]

I love Sam's idea that self-love is a practice not a destination. Their vulnerability is gold and Jameela is such a generous interviewer.

[@meganphillips7078]

Sam saying "how dare I not love my body that my mom worked so hard to make"😲😭 wow, that killed me. I've never looked at it that way and I've always struggled to love my body and forgive myself. Thank you, Sam and Jameela for being so open and making me feel less alone.

[@RochellB46]

That made me cry 😭❤️ never thought of it in that way

[@denariomelendez2586]

That also made me feel that way, so beautifully said 💜 made me think about myself and my body and how harsh I'm with it.

[@gabrieladossow5250]

Me too!

[@LEXREY]

Yes! That resonates very hard.

[@zd4927]

That was the moment I teared up and clicked the like button. Such a simple wisedom.

[@lisa-mariel4899]

"You fall in love with people, not genitals". I've been saying that for years as a Bi person :)

[@TheNewMrsComparini]

Me too!

[@anaiyahluther]

@chima chibi that's not true for all gay men

[@DoraWinifred]

Sexual attraction doesn’t equate love, most are driven by that then they fall for the person

[@shaunrussell4558]

Me too!! I’ve been out as a Bi woman for years and it’s SO nice to hear him say that!🥰🙏🏻

[@KH-kg4bm]

Well, obviously you would if you are bi. Most people are not attracted to both sexes, however.

[@okellie]

this is just what i needed, quarantine weight fluctuations have had me very self conscious and hearing these words was so comforting

[@vee5315]

Samee

[@pinkhearts3167]

I admire Sam Smith for speaking about their own personal struggles. My favourite part of the video starts at 15:16 and ends at 16:26

[@sawdusttostardust]

Jameela you have a beautiful talent for this, and such good intention in these interviews... I say this with love. You interrupt and talk over your interviewees too much. Easily sorted! I know it's enthusiasm (I do the same thing!) but you just need to relax back a little more and allow that person to fill up the space. Otherwise it feels like the interviewee is there to support what you've gone in to capture. It's just a little adjustment and skill - but if you love to do this, I reckon you could be world class due to your way of relating to people. You have so much to say that is essential, and a lot of wisdom to share. Thank you for these - as a NB person with horrible body dysmorphia I really appreciate it. Love to you and Sam. xx

[@sandrathefirst_ph]

This is true. Much respect, it's not an easy job, but the focus really needs to be about the interviewee. It's awkward when she speaks more than the guest haha

[@poojasawant9117]

i think its more like a conversation rather than an interview. she shares her own experiences or her take on the same issues to make them feel comfortable. :)

[@ciaraW88]

I strongly disagree, think the conversational aspect makes it much more intimate and less interviewing

[@222browneyes]

They're friends, so their enthusiasm and familiarity leads their speech to overlap, as it would if you were speaking about this with a friend. You can tell when she doesn't know the person as well, as she treats it more like a traditional "interview" as you describe.

[@Stargazer3131]

Before she went to the USA for her acting roles, she hosted tv shows here(T4 etc etc), so interviewing was her job she never lost it, plus she's friends with Sam and has interviewed many times before!☺️💯

[@zzoa.]

Watching this is honestly healing for my mind. Everywhere we look we're bombarded with "you're not enough" and it's exhausting. Thank you so much for uploading this interview and for all the work you do for I Weigh. The world honestly needs more people like you, or that look up to you, in it. Thank you

[@LiiiiiiMa]

This moved me to tears. I'm non-binary and Sam is such an inspiration. To be able to be honest about sadness and depresssion and to be vulnerable is a vey big deal. Thanks for sharing this, Jameela and thanks for being so brave, Sam!!!

[@eliza3986]

Lima same!!

[@zpmears]

This is the most kindred dialogue I’ve ever witnessed

[@lynsamfortas]

I just. I love how Jameela Jamil is exactly what she seems. She's assertive and I find it uncomfortable that she keeps butting in while Sam is talking - but at the same time I love how assertive she is and how she can talk about her ideas freely.

[@JaredPeeters]

Love Sam's vulnerability on this. So many guys feel this all the time. We just don't talk about it as openly as some women might. Super important conversation for men and women!!

[@CiaraLDN]

I relate to his story so much, the body dysmorphia, the confidence lose, and the weight loss and gain. I'm happy to know that I'm not alone in that, and the secret eating. I am still trying to get to the bottom of why I act like this but this has really helped me to realise how not alone I am.

[@yoelsanchez8880]

I needed this more than ever. Never been a single moment where I have been confident in my own skin and I’ve been fat, chubby, skinny, average, fuller. Literally anything you can think of. And there were never really any Men that I could look up to regarding this message and there were also no Men talking about this at all. So a special thank you to Sam.

[@brownieboy3189]

Sam is non-binary :)

[@os44881616]

First time I actually believed someone saying you shouldn't be famous.

[@RebeccaNeffati]

This interview is everything. I really wish there was more people out there like Jameela doing interviews and bringing up the important topics and really listening to others. So many interviewers are just present but not truly there or are not really listening and have their own agendas. Jameela shows that being a compassionate person really brings out the best in the interviewee. This is the most open and honest I have ever seen Sam Smith and it made me cry.

[@monicaavenidabrasil]

I love this so much, and this series of interviews. Also, I watched the Lizzo one before this, and I'm pretty sure Jameela got better with the interrupting thing! Honestly it didn't bother me too much here, it felt more like a conversation than an interview, and I'm pretty sure that sharing personal things about oneself helps the other person open up and get vulnerable which Sam Smith probably needed help with, being this the first time they were talking about this sort of thing. Also kudos to the closed captions!!

[@rutpacanowski8212]

Oh my, I LOVED his candor soooo much! Such a moving conversation. Yameela, you rock!. I suffer from dysmorphia plus an ageing body, and I haven't worn swimwear or met anyone for years because of it, too many years, I'm afraid to say. And I'm no spring chicken, shouldn't be wasting my time and energy on this. I'm going to "binge" watch all I weigh videos now, thank you!!!

[@brownieboy3189]

Their**

[@samhodgdon2449]

just a note, Sam identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns!

[@pattimcfarlane8504]

Dear Sam Smith, you are a gorgeous , strong, fabulous human being. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings xo

[@AndroidInHumansClothing]

I love the openness of this conversation! Sometimes I comes off to me that Jameela is interrupting the people she is interviewing and I feel that it would be more helpful to let them finish there sentences before adding the information and story she wants to add.

[@fanuelmessaggio7354]

I think 'I'm going to live very loudly' was the best way you can finish this interview. I'm so very happy you are in this healing path, it is worth it and it will bring you happiness. Love you Sam

[@Atheria444]

At only 26, Sam is way ahead of the curve compared to some of us. I'm 53 and still learning to speak my truth and not give a crap. I'm getting better at it though!

[@elios-0001]

RIP the audio...

[@hiyaguha4957]

Sam: I made money...and I spent all my money on food me as a college intern: I...think I've found my religion

[@locas563]

i remember when kids would trip me and i would fall and my shirt would go up and my belly was hanging out and everyone just looked disgusted. This is one of many shitty experiences at school for being overweight. I love love Sam, he is one of many amazing people that have pushed me to love my self and incentivize some insecure family members and friends to practice self love and till this day i will forever be grateful for my MY skin and love others for who they are . I love reading the comments in this video, lots of love and positive energy and i just wish i could sit in one room with everyone and celebrate this life we have and the skin we were born with because we are FUCKING BEAUTIFUL.

[@hoematica5841]

I never thought I would relate to Sam Smith and his story so much. This is why it's so important for us to talk to each other and share our stories so we can find our support systems and find our "tribe".

[@mariaelenalenguas9625]

whish i had jameela growing up, but sol glad i found her nonetheless! You inspire me daily, thank you!

[@ZacharyFinch]

This was so cool in so many ways. Major respect to both of them. Jameela is so intense and engaging, but still so vulnerable and sincere, which I think is a very rare combo. Props to Sam, too. I know that took guts. As a guy, I don’t think my problems with self-image are as bad as his, but they are definitely still present, and even tho it’s a relatively small thing in my life, I still feel like there’s only a small handful of people I can talk about those feelings with. And even then, it’s still uncomfortable. Men (I think he still prefers he/him?) like Sam have real power to sway public’s perception of masculinity. I always thought his music was ok, but this has made me a fan.

[@samhodgdon2449]

Hey! I just looked and the post has since been deleted, but they came out as nonbinary and use they/them series of pronouns!

[@brownieboy3189]

Sam is non-binary :)

[@boybriar]

Sam’s voice is so soft I love it!

[@withyoctopus]

23:54 They made my cry. My baby is two weeks old and I felt their tangent.

[@jessicadsouza2673]

I know you probably don’t know, but Sam doesn’t identify as a “he” but as a “they”

[@withyoctopus]

@@jessicadsouza2673 I didn't know. I edited it.

[@mentalstress2129]

I feel the need to like this video 10000000 times, i really need this option on youtube

[@regnii]

Thank you so much for having this conversation and sharing it ❤️

[@Carlos-ll7bz]

She is an amazing interviewer! No judgement so open. Knows how too question human beings as humans! Like I would love to grow to a point we’re I can speak to people the way she does. Incredible.

[@LoukiaLemos123]

these interviews are wonderful.... thank you for this!

[@timwelch482]

dude yes ive always struggled with my body issue. definitely wish more guys would talk about it.

[@lozanogomez]

Jameela and Sam are an amazing talking pair. I really enjoyed this conversation. Very important to get exposure on this themes.

[@maitland72]

Thank you so much to you both. I've struggled my entire life with my body (I'm 47), and so much of what Sam spoke about it spot on with my experiences... I'm glad we're not alone.

[@derdutt2033]

Speaking out on ur mental issues like that is such a breathtaking thing to watch. The courage Sam is displaying in doing so is way more impressive than anybody's trained bodies, tough exercises or even talents (no matter what kind). I've worked with teens with mental issues just like that and i hope this while movements gets bigger and bigger, so no one needs to feel alone and confused with their thoughts and feelings about this. Generally i dont know much about i weigh and Jameelas whole movement yet, cause this is one of the first things i saw from, but keep it up and if it isnt already a multilanguage platform it would bei my only advice ging forward so non-english speaking countries can profit in a similiar way.

[@samdollhamo8460]

This is absolutely beautiful! Jameela is just such a role model to me and she brings these amazing people to iWeigh! I feel like iWeigh is the only source on my fyp that tells me it's okay that i don't have a perfect body and it's okay that I'm not okay. Just so absolutely grateful

[@NeurospicyJenn]

Such a beautiful interview. And a much needed conversation. Thank you, both, for sharing that with the world!

[@36degreesMars]

this was great, I really enjoyed it but there's something off with the audio

[@sophieflowers9004]

Was this interview before they came out as non-binary? I’m confused

[@Frankie1992]

Yes, he says in the interview he is 26, but actually he is 28. This interview is over 2 years old

[@Frankie1992]

They*

[@purviagarwal5035]

oh my the part where 0:00-32:50 they were amazing and so inspiring!!!!!!

[@shaunrussell4558]

This is perhaps my favorite interpretation of body positivity and gender acceptance and forgiveness for oneself! It’s incredible!!! Love these incredible people!! 🙏🏻💗❤️🌈

[@juliejames8449]

I felt like Sam as a teenager. I was miserable about myself . at 17 a stunning boy asked me out , I thought there was a catch. eventually he made me feel like he was doing charity by going out with me.( I was pretty but not self confident ) He was sooooo wrong in every way. One day 6 month in, I dumped him . He told me I would be sorry . I told my self, I win because I don't need to have him in my life . I decided the best revenge was to get healthy and strong in mind ... that was the end of self hate . I am now 51 and look late 30's and happy as Larry about my life . But I can say after listening to this conversation , if youcan find a way to shift the dialogue from this inner chatter and focusing on ourself to the true experience life. Getting your highs from life itself and see your self life an empty vessel that these experiences pass through ... it is a good escapism from self .

[@nicole5699]

jameela is the most inspiring iconic and amazing person ever and i look up to her 🥺💞

[@user-cf9gg3xi7b]

Thank you SAM SMITH and JAMEELA JAMIL for this very important discussion

[@LARA-jn8hb]

i put this on my inspirational playlist. love u both ❤️

[@gabbym333]

When I was in high school, I was sitting next to two girls who were having a conversation about being fat. Based on appearances, both of them were slim. This was their exact conversation, "Would you rather be run over by a bus or be fat. Apparently in a survey, more people said they would rather be run over by a bus than be fat." Thing is, I am fat. And yet, they both felt it was okay to have that conversation WITH ME SITTING RIGHT THERE. I am now 23 years old, yet I can still remember how ashamed I felt. Sam Smith was right, self love is an everyday battle. Loving and accepting your body is an everyday choice that is not always easy, but is absolutely necessary.

[@sambutler2703]

I have just listened to this and it has helped me so much with my personal journey..

[@finerees]

What a beautiful, vulnerable and honest conversation. What a gentle and sensitive person Sam Smith is. Great conversation.

[@terrabransfield52]

This is so beautiful. Both of these humans are so selfless and caring, adn it's so empowering to see all of the ground they're breaking

[@naobolliger9188]

What a beautiful conversation😍❤ I love Sam, and his music. l admire his courage and honesty. Thank you, bith of you for this inspiring conversation😎❤

[@sarahhannon9759]

Wow this was such a brilliant interview, Sam was so honest. I love him even more now xxx

[@terracottateeth8246]

i’m 14 now and i’ve got to the point where i’m like ok i’m beautiful i’m gorgeous i’m fat but i want to feel healthier so i try to only eat 3 meals a day and i try to push vegetables into my meals and i don’t look at the sugar i don’t weigh myself i do what i want but i try and push myself to feel cleaner in what i’m eating it’s like making an outfit you can wear a stained t shirt and sweats and look great but you can also add to that look with a belt or a hat to boost the look so that’s what i’m doing i’m adding to my life with some vegetables and 10 sit ups per day and doing little things and it makes me feel better

[@theaniacz]

This is such an important conversation on so many levels!! 🙌🏻 So grateful for those two beautiful people!

[@AlicjaM6]

I loved this interview! Such an insight into both people and the issues of body image. Yes yes yes! Thank you to both of you Sam Smith and Jameela Jamil for doing this and sharing their voices!

[@natashac3126]

Wow, I love Sam’s honesty and self awareness. So softly spoken but words are very powerful

[@anjelicaong]

Thank you Sam and Jameela. Watching this was a pleasure :)

[@KaraLuciernaga]

Great interview! Loved this message: Self-love is a lifelong practice just like physical exercise ❤

[@biancakendra7812]

This is such a good video, thank you so much

[@pheobem7958]

Oh my life, I needed this. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@justhiraeth3285]

Jameela, I adore you and this movement, I just have noticed how you repeatedly interrupt people in different interviews and it just makes me feel quite unsettled and sad. I just wanted to tell you in case you read this (and care).

[@tamararichardson1403]

Its a conversation not an interview. She is being involved in the conversation.

[@millennialbuddhism2619]

This is a conversational format and not an interview, so the rules aren't really the same here. It feels very natural, just like two friends hanging out. (signed, a former journalist)

[@mairaveg]

seemed more conversational not rude cutting off interruption

[@atreju305]

Sam Smith is sooooo charismatic! It's crazy! 💕

[@misbahailia3345]

Because he has a good therapist.

[@piatekdiana]

Thank you both for this video. Is really important for women to see that men also struggle

[@yunshinhuang9876]

Damn I cried watching this interview. I feel that. Every sentence he said.

[@mseatapplesauce6199]

Thought provoking and audacious conversation... I love it! 🥰

[@Rosielovesmusic]

What a fantastic interview about really important issues. I love the honesty from Sam and Jameela.

[@momakesgoodmeatloaf]

5:54 I love this little Britain reference

[@NilaDuran-x9w]

Sam you are an amazing person, thank you for sharing. More men should be like you, I have a gay daughter and she is confident and even overweight but she is very confident in her skin and I’m so proud of her, and I’m so proud of you. I’m 66 years old and I love who you are, thank you for sharing, I am also over weight so I understand your feelings. Never forget how wonderful you are.

[@DanaRexx]

love this talk!!! and i agree.. Cher has not done the shitty walk 😂😜

[@LizziHill]

You talk about body dysmorphia and I have never related to a conversation more!

[@sebastien_from_canada]

Come on! 05:39 no one even cracked a smile?! I would have been laughing my heart out!!! A good place, lolll

[@catrinpowell9637]

I got an advert for a weightloss product directly leading into this.... well done youtube :/

[@katara9]

Wow.. First time hearing someone else have the same journey I'm having when it comes to gender identity. I identify as nonbinary, but still haven't heard much about how people grew to learn that the term matched them.. So there is still a bit of uncertainty for me. But hearing Sam talk about it helps a lot. Sam's so strong for talking about this.. Perspective on the issue of body image and acceptance around men is something the world, including myself, needs to work on.

[@emilyvillagomez9859]

Thank you Jameela and Sam. You are both beautiful people and thank you for bringing this beautiful conversation to us.

[@geminizing]

I love Sam Smith. Their way of talking...idk they’re just so soft, I want to give them a big hug. What a beautiful human being.

[@faras7746]

I love this guy, I dont listen to his music too much, his is great singer but not my style of music. But beside that, he seems to be a great guy, very sensitive, very humble. I really like him.

[@Alegiance]

Why did she close referring to him as a man after the whole non-binary conversation?

[@carysflowers7708]

this is before Sam disclosed their pronouns as they/them!

[@danswantarot4946]

For the same reason *you* just did..

[@stelabesenyei-merger1301]

This is a beautiful conversation.

[@andreasanchezpernias9422]

I just love him, he is the best. I never saw this interview but now i love him even more.

[@DAGuy726]

Great convo, but fernanda needs some stereo

[@taliatodd31]

The fact that he released a song called Forgive Myself like 3 months after this interview

[@julielisboa]

Great interview! Is very inspiring when a beautiful , famous and talented guy shows vulnerability. Thanks for sharing it Sam, you are opening the doors for very important conversations. 🙏🏻

[@brownieboy3189]

Person**

[@sandraromero986]

Great interview two very successful and beautiful persons I loved it !!!

[@jstratus4]

I'm a guy and this is super informative, super safe the way she explain things .

[@keldakellie9164]

Great discussion, but couldn't turn off captions, had to do other things whilst listening because I weigh my ADD.

[@joanna4655]

I like the captions! They help me hear/understand what they're saying.

[@keldakellie9164]

@@joanna4655 Not sure if my intention to be understood will translate in writing. Captions are great, but for my neurodiverse brain found them more difficult to fully engage in this discussion. In settings there loads of translatable captions as well, say if a non english speaker wanted to watch could do so by reading captions in their language. My frustration is that I couldn't turn them off and not too take away from platform.

[@arai1406]

You guys are amazing!

[@bernadetewilhelm8065]

What an amazing interview!

[@americayahya8439]

I never thought I'd love Sam Smith this much ♥️

[@jessicatrisch]

Oh my god, this is so real and open hearted. Thank you both to share those feelings with us.

[@maritimemedium]

Beautiful, Genuine, Important. Thank you both, dearly. I have friends who need to see this too. So special this space you are creating.

[@luvkav27]

Hey Jameela, I would just give a bit of constructive criticism, -- just as a way to maybe improve the interview flow: I feel like sometimes you ask very leading questions/closed questions instead of letting the person you're talking to guide the conversation that is usually quite vulnerable. It can sound a little like you're assuming what they think before they say it. thanks

[@_sophie_cc]

Necesito una traducción de esto 😢

[@ginaj5427]

this interview is so beautiful

[@Aninatje]

This was beyond inspiring and comforting, I am so excited to see Sam Smith live their live very loudly for the rest of time ❤️

[@isa12rae]

Sam's vulnerability is saving lives. ❤

[@cytrynaa9438]

Beautiful and honest conversation 🙏

[@kaemeeme]

I love you Jameela but I keep feeling that you interrupt everyone and make the conversation about you time after time. Constructive criticism here cuz I´m gonna keep watching

[@bethanyhamilton9246]

I have to disagree~ Relating to the person she’s interviewing, sharing her own experiences can help people feel they’re not alone.

[@thealindow3706]

@@bethanyhamilton9246 I totally agree, also it's supposed to be more like a conversation rather than an interview

[@cusny01]

I love Jameela and what she’s doing. I just wish she would not cut people off as much and finish their sentences at times. Just constructive criticism as a listener as listening is as important as asking the big questions.

[@thealindow3706]

I think it's just because it's in a conversational format, rather than a proper interview. It's supposed to flow more naturally :)

[@mariamb8818]

Clicked so fast for Sam. His beautiful soul shone through his music but I really love how he is who he is, authentically all round in his personality. Love you Sam 💜💜💜

[@katharinakehl8030]

Sam is non-binary and their pronouns are they/them. You actually sound like a nice person, so maybe you just accidentally used he/him. That happens to me sometimes too.

[@mariamb8818]

@@katharinakehl8030 had no clue. I've loved their music since day one but i would be lying if I said I read up on my celebs, even Sam. It's okay for the whole world not to know everything about everyone, especially strangers. We're all only human and have lives and our own people to keep up with in reality.. What's not nice is assuming we do know everything about a person (or something quite important) and then penalizing them in a very sarcastic, childlike and ridiculing way as if we did. That's a bit ignorant 💜

[@katharinakehl8030]

@@mariamb8818 I'm really sorry that my response sounded sarcastic because I totally didn't intend to be rude. I should maybe mention that English isn't my first language, even though I don't want to take that as an excuse. I genuinely think that you sound like a nice person. Of course, you are right about not having to know everything about celebrities and I fully agree with what you wrote. It's okay that you didn't know about Sam being non-binary. That's why in my first response I wanted you to know that it's fine if you used he/him by accident or simply because you didn't know their preferred pronouns. And the fact that I sometimes also use the wrong pronouns was actually supposed to show that I understand your mistake because it also happens to me. Now I can totally see how this sentence made my response sound ridiculing and I am very sorry. I just wanted to make sure that Sam's gender identity wasn't disrespected by using the wrong pronouns. Again, I would like to apologize for how my response sounded. I tried to phrase it in a respectful way, so that me correcting you wouldn't be rude, but I can totally see where I failed. I'm sorry for this long paragraph, but hopefully this will explain my initial thoughts behind my previous response. I really hope we are good now 😊❤