Sabrina Carpenter has sparked significant backlash for her onstage performance during a recent concert in Los Angeles, where she simulated a provocative move that critics have deemed inappropriate. The 25-year-old pop star, who first gained fame as a Disney Channel actress, has since embraced a more mature and edgy persona, which she has showcased throughout her Short n’ Sweet Tour. However, her latest act at the Kia Forum on Monday night has divided her audience and ignited debates on social media about the appropriateness of such performances.
Dressed in a revealing, lingerie-style outfit, Carpenter performed in front of a sold-out crowd. During her song Juno, a track about intense attraction, she dropped to her knees and appeared to simulate oral sex using her microphone. While this isn’t the first time the singer has incorporated s3xually suggestive movements into her act, this particular moment has drawn intense criticism, with many calling it “distasteful” and “vulgar.”
Social media exploded with reactions, many of which were negative. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Sabrina is one step away from starting an OnlyFans at this point,” while another wrote, “Can she stop s3xualising herself for 1 minute? LITERAL children are watching this.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one saying, “Sabrina Carpenter and her s3xual positions are giving me the ick,” and another pointing out that she is no longer a role model for children.
The performance has reignited a broader conversation about the responsibility artists have to their audiences, particularly when they have younger fans. Carpenter, who built her career on Disney Channel’s family-friendly programming, still attracts many fans from that era. Parents have expressed their disappointment, claiming her risqué performances are inappropriate for the children and teens who still attend her concerts.
While the backlash has been vocal, many fans have defended Carpenter’s artistic choices. Some praised her for fully embracing her s3xuality and putting on bold, unapologetic performances. One fan tweeted, “Sabrina Carpenter’s Juno positions are just becoming more and more unhinged, and I’m actually so here for it.” Another added, “I’m obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter and her freaky positions on her tour. Please girl, let’s be besties!”
The song Juno itself, which is about being irresistibly attracted to someone, has been the centerpiece of these provocative moments. Fans argue that her performances align with the themes of her music and reflect her growth as an artist transitioning into adulthood.
This isn’t the first time Carpenter has faced criticism during her current tour. At her Philadelphia concert, she performed her song Bad Chem, which explores fantasies about romantic chemistry. The performance included a staged scene where Carpenter and a male dancer gyrated on a bed. The scene ended with a curtain dropping to reveal their silhouettes as they mimed removing their clothes and falling onto the bed.
Videos of the Philadelphia performance quickly went viral, sparking outrage. “I CANNOT be the only person that finds her doing this in front of an audience full of children inappropriate,” one user commented online. Another added, “Oh, this is disgusting.” Fans who attended with their families also expressed discomfort. One attendee mentioned their mother “side-eyed” them during the performance, while another worried about attending a future concert with their own mom.
Despite the controversy, Carpenter remains unbothered by the criticism. In an interview with Time Magazine last month, she addressed her detractors. “You’ll still get the occasional mother that has a strong opinion on how you should be dressing,” she said. “And to that I just say, don’t come to the show, and that’s OK.”
She also defended her choice to perform in a way that makes her feel confident and empowered. “It’s unfortunate that it’s ever been something to criticize because truthfully, the scariest thing in the world is getting up on a stage in front of that many people and having to perform as if it’s nothing. If the one thing that helps you do that is the way you feel comfortable dressing, then that’s what you’ve got to do,” she explained.
Divided Opinions on Artistic Expression
Sabrina Carpenter’s transformation from a Disney Channel star to a provocative pop artist isn’t unprecedented. Many young artists who transition from child stardom to adult fame face similar scrutiny. Stars like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez have also navigated this path, often balancing their artistic growth with the expectations of their longtime fans.
Carpenter’s performances raise important questions about the intersection of art, sexuality, and audience expectations. Critics argue that she has a responsibility to consider her younger fans, while supporters contend that she should have the freedom to express herself as an adult artist.
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