Sabrina Carpenter's Bold Move: Advocating Trans Rights at the VMAs
Sabrina Carpenter Under Fire for MTV VMAs Performance: A Risky Attempt to Celebrate Trans Rights?
The highly-anticipated 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were marred by controversy when Sabrina Carpenter took to the stage to perform her new single "Tears." The pint-sized pop star, known for her provocative style and unapologetic attitude, made a bold statement in support of the trans community, but not everyone was impressed. In fact, some fans felt that she was "fetishizing" the community, while others condemned the VMAs for becoming too "political."
According to an insider who spoke exclusively with The Scholarly Note, Carpenter's performance was a far cry from the original concept. Just days before the ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the singer decided to change up the entire routine to focus on celebrating trans rights. This last-minute decision required a major overhaul of costumes and set designs, but thankfully, her team had some ideas already in place for her next tour.
The source revealed that Carpenter was determined to use her platform to bring attention to an important issue. "She wants to celebrate people who are used and abused by society," the insider explained. "She knew she was taking a risk, but she felt it was necessary."
However, not everyone was on board with Carpenter's attempt at activism. Some fans took to social media to express their disappointment and even outrage. One viewer wrote, "There's kind of a weird fetishizing aspect to a lot of the 'protect the dolls' stuff." Another fan criticized the performance as "face activism" and "performative," while a third accused Carpenter of being insensitive in the wake of the recent school shooting in Minneapolis.
The tragic event, in which two children were killed by a trans shooter, was mentioned by one commentator who expressed concerns that Carpenter's performance may have been tone-deaf. "Right after a trans person shot up a school in Minnesota? This feels insensitive tbh," they wrote. "Maybe I'm wrong?"
Despite the backlash, Carpenter's fans rallied around her, praising the performance and the dance break in the rain. The singer was joined on stage by famous drag queens, including Honey Balenciaga, Symone, Dashaun Wesley, and Richie Shazam, who carried signs with messages such as "In trans we trust," "Dolls, dolls, dolls," and "Protect trans rights."
Carpenter's performance may have been divisive, but she didn't let the controversy get to her. She went on to accept the award for Best Album for Short N Sweet, beating out notable contenders like Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen.
In her acceptance speech, Carpenter addressed the "criticism and discrimination and negativity" that she felt was present in the world. Many interpreted this as a veiled dig at President Donald Trump's administration, which has had a significant impact on the trans community. However, Carpenter's team maintains that she was simply using her platform to bring attention to an important issue.
Carpenter's seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, has been surrounded by controversy since its release. The singer previously warned fans that it was "not for the pearl clutchers," and the album sleeve, which showed her in a submissive pose with her hair being pulled by a faceless man in a suit, sparked outrage.
Some people felt that the image was demeaning to women, while others saw it as a satirical commentary on societal norms. Carpenter has since released three alternative album covers, but not before facing a barrage of criticism for her double entendres and sexually suggestive dance moves on tour.
In response to the backlash, Carpenter told critics, "Don't come to the show" if they were uncomfortable with her provocative style. She insisted that her skimpy costumes made her feel "comfortable," but not everyone was convinced.
As one fan pointed out, "If celebs actually cared, they'd be donating money and helping communities, not holding cardboard on stage." This sentiment reflects a growing concern among some fans that celebrities are using activism as a marketing tool rather than genuinely making a difference.
In the end, Carpenter's performance at the VMAs may have been divisive, but it was also a bold statement in support of the trans community. As she accepted her award and thanked her "queens on stage," it was clear that she was committed to using her platform for good – even if not everyone agreed with her methods.
**What do you think? Was Sabrina Carpenter's performance at the VMAs a risk worth taking, or did she cross the line into fetishization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
