Sam Smith didn't accept BET Award 'because he's white and didn't think he'd win'

Singer's absence at acceptance drew laughter from the audience

Sam Smith has been accused of swerving the BET Awards because as a white man he didn't think he would win the Best New Artist prize.

Smith has been cleaning up at award ceremonies this year with his unique brand of bland pop, so it wasn't hugely surprising that he was honoured, even at a show that celebrates African American music.

Accepting the award on his behalf, actor Anthony Anderson said: "Sam Smith isn't here tonight because he's white and he didn't think he would win at the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards.

"He didn't think he could win. But we showed him that we love him, too."

Smith hasn't responded to the accusation, but was quick to issue a series of tweets thanking BET.

"*Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* *Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* *Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* *Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* @BETAwards *Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* *Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* *Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* *Person raising both hands in celebration emoji* seriously didn't expect that xx thank you so much xx," he wrote (sic).

The ceremony at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles also saw Nicki Minaj once again win Best Female Artist and Kendrick Lamar perform an adapted version of 'Alright' on top of a trashed police car.