Former Grill Girl Leilani Dowding Praises Sam Smith’s Video

Former gridiron girl Leilani Dowding has criticized the praise Sam Smith received for his racy music video, after Formula One models were banned..

In a series of tweets, the Real Housewives Of Cheshire star admitted she “absolutely loved” her time working as a model on the circuit, saying those who called for her ban were “bashing beauty and women.”

Leilani questioned whether Sam’s recent video for his new single I’m Not Here To Make Friends would spark the same outrage as the grill girls, adding that “kids can watch graphic hardcore porn at the touch of a button.”

The Grid Girls were kicked out of Formula One in 2018, with bosses saying at the time that it did not agree with their “brand values”.

The move reflected the Professional Darts Corporation’s decision to end the practice of glamorous women escorting male players onto the stage, though tournaments still feature a troupe of cheerleaders who dance to walk-ons.

In her tweet, Leilani wrote: “I remember all those angry women who will surely ban the girls from the grid and from the podium.

‘Where are their voices now when kids can watch graphic hardcore or tap a button, and pop stars writhe in simulated golden showers?

Leilani finished her tweet: “Me left doing what’s now forbidden” before sharing a snapshot of herself as a grill girl in 2002 along with a shot of Sam from her new video.

He continued his rant by responding to a follower who also shared a snap of a former grill girl.

They wrote: ‘Darts and F1 and boxing got rid of this because it was degrading (despite being paid and consensual), but SS is applauded. That [clown emoji] world.’

Leilani then responded: ‘Demeaning. It was fun and amazing money, and something a lot of girls wanted to do.

“They attacked the beauty and shape of women and that’s why you see 14-year-old girls wanting to cut off their breasts.”

Another user posted: ‘I think it’s embarrassing that I was personally banned. It’s the year 2023 and if a woman is happy to do a grill girl job and get paid well, why shouldn’t she be able to do it?

“I’ve never heard a woman who did that job complain about how she was treated,” Leilani replied, “Almost all of us loved it.”

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Sam Smith for comment.

Sam’s new video saw them dance alongside a host of performers who wore corsets, suspenders, and nipple tassels.

In other scenes, the dancers are filmed slowly pushing up on a bed wearing only black leather underwear and then encircling the performer, dancing provocatively.

The video caused many to wonder if it was too much, as some he said the video should be kept out of the reach of children and is similar to a Playboy photo shoot.

However, others were He’s quick to point out how global artists like Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Relax have released equally edgy videos. VirginIt’s like a prayer Miley Cyrus‘ Wrecking Ball and Queen’s I Want to Break Free.

In 2018, the girls on the starting grid were kicked out of Formula One because motorsport bosses said they would not take part in the upcoming season because it did not fit their “brand values”.

Sean Bratches, F1’s managing director of business operations, said: “Over the last year, we’ve looked at a number of areas that we felt needed updating to be more in tune with our vision for this great sport.

“While the practice of employing girls on the grid has been a staple of Formula 1 Grand Prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values ​​and is clearly at odds with modern societal norms.

“We do not believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, around the world.”

While many supported the decision, the sport was also criticized for de-glamorizing the sport, with some arguing that the grid girls, who put in long hours on race weekends, should not be taken out of their jobs.

Several former grill girls also publicly questioned the move, including Lizzie Cundy and Melinda Messenger.

The move reflected a decision by the Professional Darts Corporation last week to end the long-established practice of women escorting male players onto the stage.