While accepting the prestigious award, she addressed the gender-neutral awards saying she understood why the name of the award had changed, but she “really loves being a woman”. The Easy On Me hitmaker is now being labelled transphobic and was referred to as a “terf” by a Twitter user.
“terf” an acronym for a trans-exclusionary radical feminist.
In December 2021, the BRITs announced that the awards would be gender-neutral, highlighting that the decision was made to make the awards as inclusive as possible. For the first time, the BRITs had no female and male categories.
In a statement, BRITs chair, Tom March expressed the importance of inclusivity at the awards.
“It feels completely the right time to celebrate the achievements of artists for the music that they create and the word they do, irrespective of gender,” said March.
During Adele’s acceptance speech, she said she was not expecting the award at all and also congratulated rapper Little Simz on her Best New Act win.
The 33-year-old songstress also addressed the gender-neutral awards in her speech.
“I understand why the name of this award has changed, but I really love being a woman and being a female artist. I do!”
“I’m really proud of us, I really am,” she concluded.
Reacting to her Artist of the Year win at the BRITs, One Twitter user labelled Adele a “terf”. According to Insider, “terf” is an acronym for a trans-exclusionary radical feminist.
The tweep, who has since made their account private, tweeted: “Please, no, Adele can’t be a TERF. That last comment, though ambiguous, could be perceived as TERF-y. Please no.”
Other Tweeps defended Adele being labelled a “terf”.
“Calling Adele a terf for saying she is proud to be a woman in music is absolutely ridiculous and shows just how this country loves cancelling people at the top of their game,” wrote one tweep.
“The best thing about the Adele situation is that it shows that all any woman has to do to be called a terf is acknowledge her own sex.”