Sabrina Carpenter reflects on facing similar backlash as Britney Spears for embracing her sexuality
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sabrina Carpenter has shed light on the criticism that continues to haunt pop stars, even in today’s progressive landscape.
When asked if she has been spared the harsh judgments artists like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera had to deal with for incorporating their sexuality into their work, the 25-year-old candidly admitted, "No, I definitely get that as well," in a TIME100 Next interview.
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Sabrina Carpenter stresses the importance of self-expression through her outfits
While the 'Espresso' singer acknowledges that trailblazing artists such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, and Madonna have paved the way for more acceptance, she notes that criticism still lingers, particularly regarding her attire.
"But you’ll still get the occasional mother that has a strong opinion on how you should be dressing. And to that I just say, don’t come to the show and that’s OK," shared Carpenter.
She added, "It’s unfortunate that it’s ever been something to criticize because truthfully, the scariest thing in the world is getting up on a stage in front of that many people and having to perform as if it’s nothing. If the one thing that helps you do that is the way you feel comfortable dressing, then that’s what you’ve got to do."
The 'Please, Please, Please' singer also shared her experience with online scrutiny, saying, "Someone told me this, whenever I would get upset or feel like I'm the only one getting criticized for something other people are able to do seemingly so freely: I'm the one that's seeing all the negative sh-t about myself. My friends don't see that."
Christina Aguilera says Sabrina Carpenter proves great things come in small packages
The latest issue of TIME also features a heartfelt tribute to Sabrina Carpenter from Christina Aguilera, who writes to her fans to "never underestimate the mighty power" behind the rising star’s talent.
The 'Lady Marmalade' songstress praised Carpenter's impressive ascent in the music industry, saying, "It’s the reason she has catapulted to her earned spot as one of today’s leading pop artists. She proves great things come in small packages."
Aguilera, who recently collaborated with Carpenter on a reimagined version of her classic hit 'What a Girl Wants', added, "Sabrina handles the task with seemingly effortless ease and charisma while promoting, performing, and handling press with a smile and her signature coy charm."
Britney Spears spoke out about being portrayed as an 'eternal virgin'
In her bombshell memoir 'The Woman in Me', Britney Spears shared that her team crafted an image of her as "an eternal virgin," despite the fact that she had been sexually active since the age of 14.
"Given that I had so many teenage fans, my managers and press people had long tried to portray me as an eternal virgin — never mind that Justin (Timberlake) and I had been living together, and I’d been having sex since I was fourteen," wrote the 'Toxic' singer in her book.
She added, "Why did my managers work so hard to claim I was some kind of young-girl virgin even into my twenties? Whose business was it if I’d had sex or not?"
