Sam Smith split from Brandon Flynn after nine months together, admits he’s having a tough time post breakup

Sam Smith isn’t as good at goodbyes as he claims to be.

During a performance at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday as part of his world tour, the British singer addressed his recent split from actor Brandon Flynn.

“I know that everyone in this room right now is going through some shit. I know I’m going through some shit,” Smith told the crowd. “And tonight I want all of us to just leave all of our worries and all of our heartache aside and let’s have some fun. Let’s sing as loud as we can.”

Dating under a microscope can’t be the easiest situation, and news have spread that the Good At Goodbyes singer has split up from the 13 Reasons Why actor. The couple was together for about nine months. A publication from The Sun Online quotes a source close to Sam, saying: “Sam and Brandon had a real whirlwind romance. They really fell for each other. But they are both so busy with their careers and unfortunately things just haven’t worked out. Sam is obviously devastated. This is the most significant relationship he has ever had. Thankfully he is on tour across the US at the moment which has been a welcome distraction.”

On Wednesday, Sam deleted several photos of the couple from his Instagram account.

The breakup came as a complete shock to fans, especially since 26-year-old Smith and 24-year-old Flynn have happily flaunted their love on social media and in real life since they started dating nine months ago. Smith even gushed about Flynn last October when he appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, admitting that he wasn’t used to being in a healthy relationship.

“It’s weird bringing out an album and not being single, ’cause when I brought [my debut album] In the Lonely Hour, I was so lonely. But, now I’m singing songs about another guy, and I’m quite happy, so it’s quite weird.”

The singer echoed these same feelings months later in an interview with KISS FM UK, telling the hosts that he wanted his relationship with Flynn to work.

“It’s good and I’m actually willing for it to be good, which is really new for me, you know?” he admitted. “I think I got really comfortable with the idea of someone not wanting me back, so I’m trying to break out the mould.”