Sabrina Carpenter Shocks with F-Bomb in VMAs 2025 Best Album Speech, Responds to Backlash Over Man’s Best Friend
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The award recognized her 2024 album Short n’ Sweet, which includes chart-toppers like “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please.”
Sabrina Carpenter held nothing back during her acceptance speech at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.
The 26-year-old artist took home Best Album for her 2024 release Short n’ Sweet—which includes the hits “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please.” While on stage, she stirred buzz by dropping an F-bomb as she reflected on the criticism surrounding her newer project, Man’s Best Friend.
Carpenter opened her remarks by thanking the VMAs and her loyal fans. “I never take for granted when you choose to spend your time with one of my albums. If it happens to be mine, I’m endlessly thankful,” she said, playfully adding, “Whether it’s Short n’ Sweet, my latest one Man’s Best Friend, or any of the 29 albums I’ve apparently released before this—I’m just the luckiest girl alive.”
She went on to show love to her cast, dancers, and the performers who joined her on stage that night, before turning to a more heartfelt note about the pressures of the industry.
“As we all know, the world can feel overflowing with negativity, judgment, and discrimination. But getting to be part of something that lifts people up—that makes them dance, smile, and feel like the world is their f—ing oyster—I can’t express how grateful I am for that,” Carpenter said to roaring applause.
Witnessing Short n' Sweet by @SabrinaAnnLynn winning Best Album? 💿✨📁 Filing under #VMAs moments I'll cherish forever! pic.twitter.com/rMwdHntpi9
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 8, 2025
Carpenter wrapped up her acceptance speech by turning her gratitude toward her fans and fellow artists in the room. “Thank you to everyone here tonight. But most importantly, to my fans—you’ve stood by me through everything, and I can’t thank you enough. And to every artist nominated, performing, or simply shining on this stage tonight—you’ve inspired me more than you know,” she said warmly, before closing with, “I’m so grateful to share this space with you. I love you all deeply.”
Her comments came just weeks after she openly addressed the backlash surrounding her latest album Man’s Best Friend in a sit-down interview with Gayle King for CBS Mornings.
The album artwork—which shows Carpenter on all fours with a man gripping her hair—sparked controversy, with some critics labeling it “degrading” and “dehumanizing to women.” King, 70, acknowledged that Carpenter’s songwriting is “unapologetic,” while also pointing out that her music might cause some listeners to “clutch their pearls.” Carpenter’s quick response? “Correct.”
“The album isn’t made for pearl-clutchers,” she clarified, before adding with a laugh: “But I still think even they could put it on in private, crack a smile, and get a laugh out of it.”
King went on to praise Carpenter for blending sexuality, strength, and vulnerability in her work. Carpenter agreed, noting that bold lyrics can sometimes feel like “too much information” to sing out loud, but argued that the energy of live shows puts everything into perspective.
“When I’m on stage and see thousands of young women in the front row screaming these songs with their best friends, it’s such a relief—it reminds me this is supposed to be fun. And that’s really all it needs to be,” she said.