Sabrina Carpenter Responds to Criticism Over Sexual Themes in Her Music: “You Won’t Let Me Evolve”

Sabrina Carpenter has faced backlash for the s**** themes in her music, but the singer and actress says the criticism often comes because people still see her as a childhood star.

Speaking to Variety, Carpenter explained that while her lyrics are bold and playful, they are also clever and part of her artistic growth.

“I think it wouldn’t matter so much if I wasn’t a childhood figure for some people,” Carpenter said. “But I also can’t really help that. It’s not my fault that I got a job when I was 12 and you won’t let me evolve.”

The 24-year-old reflected on her own childhood experiences and how she looked up to older female artists who sang about se*****. She noted that young fans are capable of understanding what makes sense for them at their age. “I always thought, ‘When I grow up, then I get to embrace my s***** more. I don’t even know what that means yet!’ I wish I’d had more open conversations about all of it when I was younger, but people feel too scared to talk about it,” she said.

Carpenter also pushed back against the idea that she will say or do anything just for attention. “You’d be surprised! I really do have boundaries with myself. I’m just actually living my life, and you’re watching. If you don’t like it, it’s not for you. If you do like it, let’s play,” she explained.

She emphasized that this period of her life is about embracing openness and confidence. “I want to remember this as a time in my life when I really didn’t hold back. I wore the skirts I wanted to wear; I spoke about things in a way that I won’t regret, because I was very open. I think that’s all that matters,” Carpenter said.

The singer also joked about her petite stature, noting how every half-inch counts when it comes to height. “Are you?” she asked during the interview, referring to the reporter’s height. “That’s important. Every half-inch counts.”

On her career priorities, Carpenter made it clear that music comes first, but she still loves acting. “Music is always going to be my true No. 1, but there’s something really special about playing an incredible role. So I would say No. 1 is music and No. 1½ is acting,” she said with a sly grin. “And we know how the half makes a difference.”

Carpenter’s critics sometimes bash her because they struggle to reconcile the image of her as a former Disney star with her adult artistry, especially when her music explores s***** themes. She says the criticism is part of evolving as a public figure, and she’s determined to stay true to herself.

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