Sabrina Carpenter's bold performance at the 2025 Brit Awards has ignited a passionate debate among viewers, with families questioning whether the show's early broadcast slot made it inappropriate for younger audiences.
The former Disney star took center stage on Saturday, performing hit songs like Bed Chem and Espresso. While the performance was filled with high-energy choreography and signature pop charisma, it was Carpenter's outfit—a revealing red lingerie ensemble—and the sensual dance moves that had many parents and viewers raising concerns.
The controversy stemmed from the fact that Carpenter's routine aired before the United Kingdom's 9 p.m. "watershed," a broadcasting guideline designed to prevent content inappropriate for children from being shown too early in the evening. Many viewers took to social media to voice their concerns.
"What have I just watched, Sabrina Carpenter?" one viewer wrote on X. "WTF. That was pure soft porn before the watershed."
Another user criticized the performance's artistic direction, writing: "The other acts did very creative routines, with impressive sets and costumes. This was lazy and thoughtless. The 'dancers' looked as foolish as she did. It wasn't kitsch, it was cringe."
Sabrina Carpenter’s opening at the BRIT Awards.
It’s cool to be sexy and empowered. Unfortunately, this throw back was none of those things. Cheap and tacky. 👎🏻 pic.twitter.com/I8rtkPT3Uc
— Anne Stockton (@AnneStockton01) March 2, 2025
While some found the performance offensive, others defended Carpenter, arguing that it was an expression of confidence and empowerment.
"Sabrina Carpenter at the Brits doing Bed Chem before the watershed is absolutely iconic," one fan tweeted. "She's a sexy little lady who wants everyone to feel sexy for themselves, not for other people! Go cry about it, Ofcom."
Another viewer dismissed the outrage, writing: "Some people threatening to complain to Ofcom about Sabrina Carpenter's Brit Awards performance need to get a life. It was a fun show with great energy! If you can't handle a little excitement before 9 p.m., maybe it's time to lighten up!"
The U.K.'s media regulator, Ofcom, confirmed that it would release an audience complaint report on March 5. If the number of complaints surpasses 50, the performance will be officially documented, potentially leading to a review of broadcasting guidelines.
A spokesperson for Ofcom told Fox News Digital that they take all audience concerns seriously and will evaluate whether Carpenter's performance breached broadcasting standards.
Despite the mixed reactions, Carpenter appeared to take the backlash in stride. On Sunday, after receiving the Global Success award at the Brit Awards, she took to social media to post a series of photos and videos from the event.
"I now know what watershed is!!!!" she cheekily captioned the post, acknowledging the controversy surrounding her performance.
Carpenter has long been open about using her music as a form of self-expression. In a 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, she explained, "This is my diary. Once I put it out there, it's for other people to interpret. I try not to tell people what a song is explicitly about. People don't always know what's going on inside the minds of anyone, let alone a young girl who's navigating love and a lot of things for the first time."
While some celebrate her bold approach to pop music, others question whether artists should consider the timing and setting of their performances, especially on live television. The Brit Awards, which traditionally feature a mix of performances ranging from family-friendly ballads to edgier acts, may now face renewed scrutiny over how they balance entertainment with audience expectations.
