Why pop stars embracing sex is still controversial

Sabrina Carpenter’s embrace of sexuality in her music and performances has ignited fresh debates, demonstrating that female pop stars expressing their sexuality remains a polarizing topic in 2025, echoing past controversies with icons like Madonna. Carpenter’s new album, ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ particularly its cover art featuring her on all fours with someone pulling her hair, has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some viewing it as degrading to women and others defending it as satire or empowerment. Her live performances, such as simulating sex acts on stage and handing out handcuffs during concerts, have further fueled the controversy, leading to outrage from parents and conservatives over her influence on young fans. This mirrors historical backlash faced by Madonna in the 1990s with her ‘Erotica’ album, though Carpenter’s approach is often seen as more tongue-in-cheek and potentially a marketing strategy. The debate has proliferated on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where commentators like Megan Cruz have criticized the art as lacking substance, while supporters argue it represents a natural and empowered expression of sexuality. Carpenter’s music, which includes hits like ‘Espresso,’ explores themes of love and regret, and her popularity underscores a fan appetite for sex-positive content despite the controversy. Broader cultural contexts, such as the tradwife movement and restrictions on reproductive rights, contribute to making sexuality in pop music appear more subversive today. In a Rolling Stone interview, Carpenter addressed the scrutiny, noting that women artists are excessively picked apart and that her sexually explicit songs are what fans have embraced and made popular. Despite the provocative imagery, critics describe the album as ‘surprisingly vanilla’ with smart, humorous lyrics that are not radically shocking. This ongoing discourse highlights persistent double standards for female artists, who navigate a dichotomy between being relatable and openly sexual, a tension that has endured for decades in the music industry.