Sabrina Carpenter is no stranger to pushing boundaries, and her latest performance in Paris has once again ignited a firestorm of debate. On Monday night, the 25-year-old Espresso singer stunned the audience at the Accor Arena by incorporating a provocative dance move into her set.
While performing her song Juno, Carpenter simulated the sexually suggestive "Eiffel Tower" position with two male dancers.
The bold choreography, captured on video by a fan and shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral, sparking a mix of reactions. Some praised her confidence and fearless approach to performance art, while others questioned whether she had gone too far.
Regardless of public opinion, one thing is clear: Carpenter is fully embracing a more provocative stage presence, undeterred by criticism.
Carpenter’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a Disney Channel star, she has spent years shedding her child-star image to establish herself as a serious pop artist. With hit songs like Nonsense, Feather, and Espresso, she has proven her ability to dominate the charts while evolving her persona.
However, this latest controversy isn’t the first time she has been called out for her onstage antics. Throughout her Short n’ Sweet tour, she has repeatedly stirred debate with explicit choreography, including simulating oral sex with a microphone.
Each performance seems to raise the stakes, leaving audiences wondering what she will do next.
On Monday, her risqué dance move during Juno took things to a new level. Dressed in a shimmering green crop top, a matching mini skirt, and silver boots featuring a heart cut-out, Carpenter confidently acted out the suggestive Eiffel Tower position.
One male dancer stood in front of her, while another positioned himself behind her as she bent forward—an unmistakable reference to the notorious three-way position.
As soon as the clip hit social media, reactions poured in from all sides. Fans and critics alike debated whether Carpenter’s performance was artistic expression or simply attention-seeking behavior.
Supporters rushed to defend her, arguing that male artists have been performing similarly suggestive routines for decades without facing nearly as much backlash. "Why is it that when a woman expresses herself sexually, it’s a problem, but when male artists do the same, it’s just ‘entertainment’?" one fan tweeted.
Others admired her confidence and ability to command the stage. "Sabrina is owning her power. She’s having fun, and her fans are here for it," another user wrote.
However, not everyone was on board with the bold display. Critics accused Carpenter of leaning too heavily into shock value rather than letting her music speak for itself. Some worried that her increasingly provocative performances might overshadow her vocal talent and songwriting abilities.
"This isn’t about empowerment—it’s about pushing the limits for attention," one detractor commented. "She’s talented, but does she really need to rely on this kind of choreography to make a statement?"
Despite the criticism, Carpenter seems unfazed. She has yet to publicly respond to the backlash, but her track record suggests that she is unlikely to tone down her performances anytime soon.
Sabrina Carpenter is far from the first pop star to face criticism for provocative stage routines. Artists like Madonna, Britney Spears, and Miley Cyrus have all been at the center of similar controversies throughout their careers.
Each of these performers used shock value as a tool to challenge societal norms, redefine femininity in pop music, and command the public’s attention.
Carpenter appears to be following in their footsteps, taking full control of her artistic expression and refusing to conform to industry expectations.
Her Short n’ Sweet tour has already proven to be a major turning point in her career. With her increasing confidence and willingness to push boundaries, she is cementing herself as more than just another former child star—she is becoming a full-fledged pop provocateur.
Despite the uproar surrounding her Paris performance, Carpenter is showing no signs of slowing down. Her next concert is scheduled for Wednesday in Berlin, Germany, and fans are already speculating whether she will continue to up the ante with her choreography.
Her ability to stay in the headlines—whether for her music, fashion choices, or bold performances—has solidified her place as one of pop’s most talked-about stars. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Sabrina Carpenter knows how to command attention.
As the Short n’ Sweet tour continues, one question remains: How far will she go next? Whatever the answer, Carpenter is proving that she is fearless in the face of criticism, determined to perform on her own terms, and ready to challenge the expectations placed on female artists in the industry.
