Sabrina Carpenter sparks backlash with raunchy performance protesting for trans rights

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2025 saw a divisive reaction among fans after Sabrina Carpenter‘s provocative showcase at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, where she championed the cause of transgender rights.

Critics claim that the 26-year-old artist portrays an inappropriate fascination towards the transgender community through her interpretation of her newest song “Tears,” which includes graphic lyrics.

During her show at the UBS Arena in New York, the carpenter was accompanied by several drag queens such as Honey Balenciaga, Symone, Dashaun Wesley, and Richie Shazam. The act featured a performance section that incorporated a lively dance routine amidst the rainfall.

The backup dancers held banners displaying messages such as “In us, we trust” (referring to transgender individuals), “Dolls, dolls, dolls”, advocating for drag performers, “Support drag”, promoting transgender rights, and “If you despise, you’ll remain unwanted.” This way, the messages conveyed by the signs remain clear but are rephrased in a more friendly and approachable manner.

Towards the end of the performance, Carpenter came back onto the stage to receive the honor for Best Album, expressing gratitude towards her fellow performers who were present.

However, not all enthusiasts expressed satisfaction. One fan commented, ‘There seems to be an odd obsession or fetishization in many aspects of the “protect the dolls” theme, but I can ignore that for now as long as there’s less focus on “exterminate the dolls”.’

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but notice that it seems the spotlight often gravitates towards transgender males rather than females in this realm, mirroring a pattern reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter’s style. Her approach to womanhood, unfortunately, often appears to transform it into an overly plastic, excessively feminine, and overtly sexualized commodity, seemingly tailored for and marketed towards men.

‘They turn concerts into campaign rallies, then wonder why people stop watching.’

Another wrote: ‘One reason many Americans did not watch the VMAs.’

Someone else added, “If celebrities truly showed concern, they would be contributing funds and assisting communities, rather than waving cardboard backstage.

Another commentator recently alluded to the transgender individual, Robin Westman, who carried out a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis last month, taking the lives of two innocent children.

Immediately following an incident where a transgender individual was involved in a shooting at a school in Minnesota, the statement comes across as somewhat tactless to me. Could it be that my perception is mistaken?

Another called the performance ‘fake activism.’

‘This feels performative.’

However, others came to the singer’s defense, arguing that it was unreasonable to criticize a performance that was advocating for transgender rights.

The opening verse of the song is laden with explicit content, such as: “I become drenched just thinking about you/ Acting responsibly, as expected/ Taking care of me, as required/ Tears trickle down my legs.

To start off, Sabrina donned a shimmery, frilled gown, but as the act progressed, she shed it to unveil a glittering bra and sleek black leggings during a lively dance interlude.

As she and her dancers moved through a choreographed routine, rain began to fall on the stage.

At a later point, Sabrina emerged victorious against Gaga in the Best Album classification for Short N Sweet. During her acceptance speech, she touched upon topics such as ‘discrimination’ and ‘negativity.’

Some people interpreted her remarks as a subtle criticism directed towards President Donald Trump’s administration, which has played a substantial role in affecting the transgender community.

In this category, you’ll find songs like “Bad Bunny – Take More Pictures,” “Kendrick Lamar – GNX,” “Lady Gaga – Mayhem,” “Morgan Wallen – I’ve Got Issues,” and “The Weeknd – Be Patient.

Sabrina started her acceptance speech by expressing gratitude to her fans, saying: “Hi everyone! Wow, I can’t believe how many people are here. Thank you so much! And thank you, VMAs, for this award. It’s my second moon man, which is absolutely amazing!

I deeply appreciate it whenever you make time to listen to an album, especially if it happens to be one of mine, whether ‘Short N Sweet’, ‘Man’s Best Friend’, or any of my previous 29 albums. I truly consider myself incredibly fortunate in such moments.

Translation: I greatly value your efforts when listening to an album, and I feel blessed if that happens to be one of my albums, whether it’s ‘Short N Sweet’, ‘Man’s Best Friend’, or any from my 29 earlier ones. I feel extremely lucky in these instances.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to my exceptional cast, dancers, and the queens on stage who are performing with me tonight.

She also mentioned that her work often faces numerous critiques, but she feels blessed to be a musician.

‘Living in this world, which is frequently filled with criticism, discrimination, and negativity, finding oneself a part of something that usually brings joy, happiness, laughter, and a sense of empowerment is truly a blessing. I am immensely thankful for these experiences.’

At the end of her speech, she expressed gratitude by saying, ‘Thank you all for being here today, but especially to my loyal fans – your support means a lot to me, so thank you.’

In closing, let me express my deep admiration for each artist up for recognition, taking the stage, or simply shining in the crowd tonight. Each of you has played an enormous role in shaping my artistic journey and inspiring me beyond words.

‘So thanks for letting me be in this room with you. I love you all very much.’

At an earlier evening event, Sabrina made quite an entrance in a tight, shimmering red lace dress by Valentino, adorned with a purple feather boa, prior to her performance.

The musician renowned for his Espresso hits – with nominations spanning categories such as Video of the Year, Best Pop Artist, and Best Album – exuded a likeness to Jessica Rabbit in her long gown. Her golden hair was styled in lush curls.

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2025-09-08 07:49