ITV Brit Awards in Ofcom row over Sabrina Carpenter routine amid singer's response to 'pornographic' performance backlash

WATCH HERE: Sabrina Carpenter takes home the Global Success award at The Brit Awards

ITV
Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 05/03/2025

- 14:23

The American musician performed her "raunchy" set before the watershed

The Brit Awards has received over 800 Ofcom complaints following Saturday night's ceremony, with viewers divided over Sabrina Carpenter's performance.

The American pop star's racy routine before the 9pm watershed sparked controversy among viewers – with the performance being broadcast live at 8:15pm.


Carpenter took to the stage in a red lacy outfit, performing her innuendo-filled songs with a troupe of dancers.

One particularly controversial moment saw her kneel in front of a male dancer, who winked at the camera as she disappeared offscreen.

Some parents expressed outrage, with one father telling reporters he was "fuming" about the suggestive content.

Another viewer complained on social media that it was "like watching live pornography" on what should be "a family show".

Sabrina Carpenter

The star put on a raunchy performance at the Brits

INSTAGRAM

Others quickly took to social media to express their shock as one wrote: "RIP to the 9pm watershed."

Another commented: "Well this is just an awkward watch sat with the parents."

A third added: "I love Sabrina so much cos I can see the British public reporting this to Ofcom immediately."

After learning of the backlash she received, which now consists of 825 Ofcom complaints overall, Carpenter made a cheeky quip on her Instagram after posting a montage of images from her time at the ceremony.

Sabrina Carpenter

She took home the Global Success award

PA

She captioned the post: “Brits. I now know what watershed is!!!!” (sic)

Ofcom has confirmed that the majority of the complaints related to Sabrina Carpenter's opening dance routine.

Despite the complaints, some fans rallied behind the singer, as one fan penned: “They can never make me hate you, sweety.”

“Sabrina Carpenter the pop princess that you are,” another wrote before someone else added: “QUEEN SHAKING THE NATION.” (sic)

During the ceremony, Carpenter picked up the Global Success Award at the Brits and made history as the first international artist to receive this prestigious accolade.

The American singer's achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, cementing her status as an international pop sensation.

After her performance at the Brits, the star jetted off to Dublin to begin her European leg of her Short n’ Sweet tour.

Carpenter wasn’t the only one who received complaints for their sexual outfit and performance, as Charlie XCX's outfit caused a stir.