Carpenter caused a stir after a performance at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where her actions on stage during her Short n’ Sweet tour led to mixed reactions.
At 25, the singer and actress is recognized for her bold approach to live performances. However, this time, her actions led to a wave of backlash on social media, with some people arguing that she crossed the line.
The controversy erupted after videos began circulating online showing Sabrina Carpenter performing provocative dance moves during her song “Juno.”
Although her shows often include playful and daring elements, this particular act sparked concerns among some fans and parents about whether her stage presence was appropriate—especially considering her history as a former Disney Channel star.
One social media user commented, “Sabrina is one step away from starting an OFs at this point,” referencing her performance.
Another person criticized her artistic decisions, writing, “Can she stop s*xualizing herself for 1 minute? LITERAL children are watching this, not just at the concert but also as it keeps appearing on my niece’s YouTube.”
The backlash has also reignited debates about Carpenter’s transition from being a teen idol to embracing a more mature artistic identity.
One fan stood up for Sabrina, stating, “She’s not an artist for kids anymore.”
Another commenter argued that it’s unreasonable for critics to expect her performances to be tailored to younger audiences.
A different supporter pointed out, “She’s a grown woman, and people have the choice not to attend her shows.”
Sabrina Carpenter, who is up for six Grammy Awards this year, has remained firm in defending her creative decisions.
In a past interview with Time magazine, she addressed the backlash regarding her costumes and choreography, saying: “You’ll still get the occasional mother that has a strong opinion on how you should be dressing. And to that, I just say, don’t come to the show, and that’s OK.”
She stressed how vital it is to feel self-assured on stage, adding: “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.”
The Emails I Can’t Send artist has consistently been candid about exploring themes of sexuality in her music and live shows.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan about the cheeky ad-libbed outros in her song “Nonsense,” she explained, “I feel like I’ve learned a lot more about sexuality through writing those than people think.”
“I think people think I’m just obnoxiously h*rny, when in reality, writing them comes from the ability to not be fearful of your s*xuality.”
While many fans admire her openness and confidence, some have raised concerns about the direction her stage presence has taken.
Critics on social media described her latest choreography as inappropriate and over-the-top, with some suggesting she implement age restrictions for her shows.
One user tweeted, “If she wants to act like a ‘**rn actress,’ she should restrict her concerts to a certain age group.”
However, Carpenter’s supporters have defended her, highlighting that her performances are intended for a more mature audience.
They argued that parents uneasy with her content should simply choose not to bring their children to her shows.
The most controversial moment of Sabrina Carpenter’s Los Angeles show occurred when she used her microphone to simulate an explicit act.
While performing “Juno,” she knelt on stage and made a provocative gesture, which many described as mimicking oral s*x.
This move immediately sparked criticism online, with many calling it inappropriate, especially considering the possibility of younger fans being in the audience or watching the videos circulating on social media.
Despite the mixed reactions, Carpenter has stood firm in her commitment to her artistic expression.
She has previously explained her approach, saying: “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.”
