Sam Smith has asserted that he will not be performing his music live in Russia due to president Vladimir Putin’s introduction of laws which criminalize “homosexual propaganda”.

The ‘Stay With Me’ singer clarified his stance on the country to Rolling Stone: “I don't hate Russia, but I just will never go to Russia [because] what they do to gay people there is just disgusting and it makes me very angry.”

However, the British singer does have sympathy for his Russian fans:

“I've even said, no matter how many billions of pounds you could offer me, I just couldn't, which makes me sad because I have Russian fans. They contact me on Twitter, it makes me sad.”

Sam Smith is nominated for six Grammy awards at tonight’s ceremony (February 8) where he will be performing alongside Mary J. Blige.

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.

Watch Sam Smith’s latest music video, ‘Lay Me Down’, below: