Sabrina Carpenter faced backlash from the animal rights organization PETA after she incorporated a live dove into her performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. During the event held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, Carpenter performed her song “Manchild” while holding the bird, prompting PETA to publicly condemn her actions.
The organization took to social media to express its disapproval, posting an image of Carpenter with the dove. “Hey Sabrina, bringing a live bird onto the Grammys stage is stupid, slow, useless … and cruel!” PETA stated on its X account, emphasizing that bright lights and loud noises can cause fear and distress for birds, which are meant to fly freely. The message concluded with a call to leave animals out of high-profile events like the Grammys.
Carpenter, 26, was one of the evening’s first performers and was nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year for “Manchild.” Her performance featured an airport-themed backdrop and culminated with her releasing the dove while seated in what appeared to be a plane. The bird was seen fluttering in her hands before the conclusion of the act.
PETA representatives were present at the Grammys, where they staged a publicity stunt in the event’s gifting suite. According to a report on PETA’s website, a “walking, talking robo-chicken” was utilized to promote vegan food samples to attendees, including stars like Reba McEntire and Sheryl Lee Ralph. The organization aimed to encourage celebrities to use their influence to advocate for animal welfare during the awards season.
Criticism is not new for Carpenter, who has previously faced scrutiny for her artistic choices. Her album, Man’s Best Friend, released in August 2025, attracted controversy for its lyrics and imagery. Some fans expressed concern over the lyrics of “Manchild,” particularly the use of the word “slow,” which certain individuals interpreted as an ableist term. One user remarked, “The word ‘slow’ in ‘manchild’ is a historically ableist term,” suggesting it fails to consider the perspectives of disabled individuals. Carpenter has not publicly addressed these criticisms.
Moreover, the cover art for Man’s Best Friend also faced backlash. The image depicted Carpenter in a vulnerable pose, which some social media users interpreted as glorifying domestic violence. One commentator stated, “Women face horrific domestic abuse and degradation at the hands of men every single day worldwide, but she wants to profit off of imagery of herself being degraded, comparing herself to a dog.” In response to the backlash, Carpenter discussed the album during an interview with Interview magazine in September 2025. She stated, “You can be sure that anything I do and say has a little bit of a wink to it. If I’m being completely transparent, I don’t do anything anticipating what the reaction will be.”
As Carpenter continues to navigate her career in the spotlight, the intersection of celebrity culture and animal rights remains a significant discussion point. The response to her Grammy performance illustrates ongoing tensions between artistic expression and ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare.
