Sabrina Carpenter asks Taylor Swift why female pop stars’ embrace of sex remains controversial in 2025

Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album, Man’s Best Friend, has reignited a debate reminiscent of the controversy surrounding Madonna thirty years ago. Despite decades passing since Madonna’s brave stance with her Sex book and Erotica album, female pop stars still face backlash for embracing their sexuality openly.

Looking back on her provocative works, Madonna acknowledged on Instagram the pushback she received for sharing her sexual fantasies and views on sexuality in a bold manner. She proudly declared herself as a trailblazer for subsequent female artists like Cardi B and Miley Cyrus, who freely express their sexuality in their music. However, the question lingers: has much really changed for female pop stars today?

Sabrina Carpenter’s rising fame with hits like Espresso and her Grammy-nominated album, Short n’ Sweet, has brought her under fire for her overtly sexual image and lyrics. Shedding her Disney image with a new bombshell persona and sensual performances, Carpenter has faced criticism for her provocative behavior, with some labeling her as a negative influence on her young audience.

Drawing inspiration from Madonna’s bold aesthetic, Carpenter’s sexual imagery has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy, with many questioning the authenticity of her approach. The unveiling of her Man’s Best Friend album cover, depicting her in a suggestive pose, further fueled the debate, dividing opinions among feminists, conservatives, and fans. Carpenter defended the cover as a statement of empowerment, emphasizing the importance of owning one’s choices and asserting control.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the album’s release and initial speculations of it being a daring and sex-positive statement like Madonna’s Erotica, critics found Carpenter’s music surprisingly tame. While some tracks are labeled explicit, the overall content of the album leans towards exploring modern dating and sexuality in a humorous and candid manner. The discrepancies between the album’s perceived controversy and actual content beg the question: why the uproar?

Collaborating with her friend Taylor Swift on her upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, Carpenter’s provocative persona aligns with Swift’s evolution towards a more sensual image. Critics have questioned Swift’s departure from her “good girl” image, overlooking previous instances where she has explored themes of sexuality in her music and public appearances. The dichotomy between pop stars being relatable or embracing their sexuality remains a prevalent issue in the music industry, perpetuating outdated stereotypes.

In a society where attitudes towards sex are complex and varied, the boldness of stars like Sabrina Carpenter challenges conventional norms. As Carpenter aptly points out, the public’s fascination with songs centered on sex indicates a deep-rooted interest, despite the ongoing backlash. The debate surrounding female pop stars and their expression of sexuality continues to highlight societal biases and expectations, underscoring the need for a more inclusive and accepting cultural landscape.