Sabrina Carpenter is known for more than just her chart-topping hits and viral moments—she’s also made a name for herself by fiercely defending her artistry and beliefs. Over the years, the multi-talented pop star has faced her fair share of criticism, but she’s never been afraid to stand her ground. From her empowering performances to her unapologetic lyrics, Carpenter has proven that she won’t back down when confronted with negativity. Here are some of her most vicious and memorable clapbacks to date.
Responding to Critics of Her Sexuality and Image
Sabrina Carpenter’s confident embrace of her sexuality has been a key aspect of her music and performances, particularly in hits like “Nonsense.” However, not everyone is a fan of her boldness. In January 2025, music producer Pete Waterman labeled her live performances as “offensive.” His comments seemed to imply that Carpenter’s confidence was somehow undermining the progress made by women who fought for their rights. In response, Sabrina didn’t mince words. She told The Sun on Sunday that if people can’t handle a confident woman embracing her own sexuality, they simply shouldn’t attend her shows.
“Female artists have been shamed forever,” she pointed out, referencing iconic women like Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Madonna, all of whom faced similar criticism during their careers. Carpenter’s powerful message to those who want to silence her: don’t try to box her in.
Slamming the “Lazy” Criticism of Her Performances
Sabrina’s performances have also drawn ire from critics who have labeled her “lazy” or “too provocative.” Some have taken issue with her choreography and the raunchy lyrics in her songs, claiming that it’s a distraction from her vocal talent. Carpenter, however, fired back, calling such opinions “totally regressive.”
“I’m talking about real things—self-care, body positivity, heartbreak—these are all things a 25-year-old goes through,” she said. “Yet, when I perform with confidence in my sexuality, people want to shame me for it.” Sabrina’s no-nonsense attitude makes it clear: she’s going to perform the way she chooses, and the world can either accept it or move aside.
Shutting Down Lip-Syncing Accusations
During her Short ‘n Sweet Tour in 2024, critics once again targeted Sabrina, claiming that she was lip-syncing during her performances. Some social media users argued that only a portion of her vocals were live, with the rest being backed by a track. Sabrina swiftly responded to these accusations, putting them to rest with a firm statement. “I sing live at every show 100 percent,” she commented. “Would you like to speak to my audio engineers?”
Her quick rebuttal showcased her dedication to her craft and her unwillingness to let baseless accusations tarnish her hard work.
Proving Her Success After Criticism
In June 2024, after her single “Please Please Please” faced harsh criticism from a social media user, Sabrina took a playful yet pointed approach to clap back. The user had claimed that the song was a flop, calling it “the hardest second single fail.” However, when the song went on to top the Billboard Hot 100, Sabrina shared a screenshot of the rankings alongside the initial criticism. Her caption? “Ohhhh I’m a grateful, grateful, grateful girl.” It was a subtle but powerful way to remind everyone that success speaks louder than words.
Defending Her Music Video in Brooklyn Church
In 2023, Sabrina faced backlash over her music video for “Feather,” which was filmed in a Brooklyn church. Some church officials, including Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello, claimed that the video had not been approved and that it violated diocesan policy. Sabrina, however, shut down these claims with a simple yet effective response: “We got approval in advance,” she told Variety at the time. “And Jesus was a carpenter.” It was a witty and direct way to defend her artistic choices and challenge the negative narrative.
The Feathers and the Mayor: A Controversial Coincidence
Sabrina’s involvement in a scandal surrounding the church video didn’t end there. While performing at Madison Square Garden in 2024, she alluded to how the controversy was tied to New York Mayor Eric Adams’ federal investigation. The pastor who had approved the video was demoted, and the diocese launched a review that uncovered possible connections between the church and the mayor’s embattled administration. Sabrina cheekily remarked, “Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted or…?”
While it remains to be seen how deeply the controversy will unfold, Sabrina’s boldness in addressing the situation is clear. She isn’t afraid to take on the big players, and her fearless clapbacks only add to her growing reputation as one of the most unfiltered stars in pop music.
Conclusion
Sabrina Carpenter is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s shutting down critics of her music, defending her sexuality, or confronting controversies head-on, she consistently shows that she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Through it all, her resilience and confidence continue to resonate with fans, proving that she’s not just a pop star—she’s a trailblazer.