Sam Thompson Reacts To Backlash To His Viral Timothée Chalamet Interview

The Made In Chelsea star found himself at the centre of debate after interviewing the cast of Dune: Part Two.
Sam Thompson and Timothée Chalamet
Sam Thompson and Timothée Chalamet
Dave Bennett/Getty/Han Myung-Gu

Sam Thompson found himself at the centre of debate this week after a clip of him interviewing Dune stars Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler went viral.

In a clip from his interview with the two Oscar nominees, the former Made In Chelsea star and I’m A Celebrity winner was heard asking what some critics felt was a rather cliché question about whether it’s “easier or harder” to play an on-screen relationship with a friend.

The clip – which formed part of an interview Sam’s Hits Radio show – quickly began doing the rounds on X (formerly Twitter), racking up close to nine million views.

It also began sparking criticism from many (including several journalists) who lamented the rise of influencers and reality stars landing interview roles traditionally held for presenters and reporters:

please, i'm absolutely begging you, stop giving these influencer clowns journalists jobs. it's embarrassing for everyone involved. https://t.co/QVzwNwty9n

— Callum Crumlish (@CallumC_) February 27, 2024

i'm by no means the greatest interviewer of all time, but why do the powers that be keep pumping out promo content with the most mindless, pointless questions imaginable?

the actors don't enjoy it
the fans don't enjoy it
what's the deal here? https://t.co/QkR9E4Alv3

— Pusha 40 (fantano) (@theneedledrop) February 27, 2024

Stop getting people with no journalism background to do press junkets for God’s sake. https://t.co/0SpDQETihq

— Jason Okundaye (@jasebyjason) February 27, 2024

i promise you that getting tiktokers/tv personalities (who are not qualified) is not the marketing tactic people think it is!!!! https://t.co/z51UdE2a3j

— kelsey barnes (@kelseyjbarnes) February 27, 2024

I actually feel sorry for journalists that have pursued the career, been through the schooling, got the degree and have realistically no chance of getting anywhere without major roadblocks because all the opportunities are being given to unqualified Reality TV and TikTok “stars”. https://t.co/XcxwGuU5Cf

— Joe (@jrdzvl) February 27, 2024

WHERE ARE THE JOURNALISTS https://t.co/0P5CtVbTSn

— natty kasambala (@nattykasambala) February 27, 2024

Just an infuriating and completely flawed model. Hiring & nurturing young talent means you end up with great & prepared people asking interesting questions. Letting internet & reality stars take a stab at it until they maybe sort of figure out how it works? You end up with this. https://t.co/Q6vXEomCE6

— Beth McColl (@imbethmccoll) February 27, 2024

Responding to one such post, Sam remarked: “You should have seen the bit where I asked Timothy if he wanted to play Call Of Duty with me, you’d have loved it.”

“Not only is he not a journalist…he can’t even spell Timothee!!!” Sam then added, when his followers began pointing out his mistake.

You should have seen the bit where I asked Timothy if he wanted to play call of duty with me, you’d have loved it 🙃

— Sam Thompson (@SamThompsonUK) February 27, 2024

Not only is he not a journalist…he can’t even spell Timothee!!! 😡😂

— Sam Thompson (@SamThompsonUK) February 27, 2024

Sam first rose to prominence on the constructed reality show Made In Chelsea, and has gone on to appear in the likes of Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Coach Trip, The Celebrity Circle and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

He has also done presenting work on Love Island: Aftersun, Steph’s Packed Lunch and his own Hits Radio show.

Last year, he also fronted a documentary about his experiences of ADHD and autism.

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