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Sabrina Carpenter incorporated some protest into her MTV VMA performance

ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Sabrina Carpenter performs during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV)
John Shearer
ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Sabrina Carpenter performs during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV)
SOURCE: John Shearer
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Updated: 1:08 PM CDT Sep 8, 2025
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Sabrina Carpenter incorporated some protest into her MTV VMA performance
CNN logo
Updated: 1:08 PM CDT Sep 8, 2025
Editorial Standards
Sabrina Carpenter's performance Sunday night at the MTV Video Music Awards seemed meant to inspire both dancing and resistance.The petite powerhouse performed her new song, "Tears," with backup support from drag performers made famous by the reality series "Drag Race," as well as dancers dressed as police officers.One of the drag performers, Honey Balenciaga, was recently featured on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour.Carpenter, who started out in what appeared to be a silver, sparkly fringe dress before a quick costume change, delivered an energetic performance that also contained a message.Some of those on stage with her held signs with messages that read "In Trans We Trust" and "Protect Trans Rights."It comes at a time when many in the trans community are raising concerns about state and national legislative efforts to limit gender identity care.Carpenter is a well-known ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, and her performance Sunday night felt inspired by the music video for "Tears."Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo appears in drag in that video, which pays homage to the classic, campy film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Sabrina Carpenter's performance Sunday night at the MTV Video Music Awards seemed meant to inspire both dancing and resistance.

The petite powerhouse," with backup support from drag performers made famous by the reality series "Drag Race," as well as dancers dressed as police officers.

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One of the drag performers, Honey Balenciaga, was recently featured on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour.

Carpenter, who started out in what appeared to be a silver, sparkly fringe dress before a quick costume change, delivered an energetic performance that also contained a message.

Some of those on stage with her held signs with messages that read "In Trans We Trust" and "Protect Trans Rights."

It comes at a time when many in the trans community are raising concerns about state and national legislative efforts to limit .

Carpenter is a well-known ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, and her performance Sunday night felt inspired by the music video for "Tears."

Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo , which pays homage to the classic, campy film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."