Sabrina Carpenter sparks debate with bold MTV awards performance

Sabrina Carpenter has stirred both praise and criticism after delivering a provocative performance at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, where she openly advocated for trans rights.

The 26-year-old singer took the stage at UBS Arena in New York to perform her latest single Tears, accompanied by drag queens Honey Balenciaga, Symone, Dashaun Wesley, and Richie Shazam.

The act featured a rain-soaked dance break and background dancers holding placards with slogans such as “In trans we trust,” “Protect trans rights,” “Support drag,” and “If you hate, you’ll never get laid.”

The performance immediately divided viewers. While some applauded Carpenter for using her platform to support marginalised communities, others accused her of turning activism into a spectacle. A section of critics labelled the set “raunchy” and argued that it “fetishised” the trans community rather than authentically representing it.

One online user remarked: “There’s kind of a weird fetishising aspect to a lot of the ‘protect the dolls’ stuff, but I’m alright not caring about that until there’s a lot less ‘exterminate the dolls’ stuff going on.” Another wrote: “They turn concerts into campaign rallies, then wonder why people stop watching.”

Some even linked the performance to recent tragedies, citing the Minnesota Catholic school shooting carried out by a trans-identifying suspect last month. “Right after a trans person shot up a school in Minnesota? This feels insensitive tbh,” one user commented, describing the act as poorly timed.

On the other hand, Carpenter’s supporters defended her choice, calling the criticism misplaced. “It’s absurd to attack someone for standing up for equality,” one fan posted, stressing that her message was about “visibility and compassion.”

Later in the night, Carpenter returned to the stage to accept the award for Best Album for her record Short N Sweet, defeating Lady Gaga in the category. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her “queens on stage” and referenced the “discrimination and negativity” that often surrounds the LGBTQ+ community. The singer went on to secure three awards in total, cementing her place among the night’s biggest winners.

Despite the controversy, industry watchers noted that Carpenter’s set succeeded in generating conversation, ensuring her act became one of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony.

The MTV VMAs, known for pushing boundaries in music and performance art, once again sparked debate on the intersection of celebrity, activism, and entertainment. Carpenter’s show highlighted how artists continue to use global platforms not only for musical expression but also to promote social and political causes.