Sabrina Carpenters’ SNL Performance Shaded By Fellow Pop Star For This Crucial Mistake
Rina Sawayama responded to Sabrina Carpenter’s much-discussed return to “Saturday Night Live” this weekend by offering some words of constructive criticism.
During his appearance on “SNL” on Saturday, Carpenter was inspired by Japanese culture while performing the song “Nobody’s Son,” from his latest album, “Man’s Best Friend.”
The two-time Grammy winner wore a sequined kimono-style top and was flanked by a group of dancers performing martial arts-like moves.
Sawayama, of Japanese and British descent, shared her reaction to Sunday’s performance on her Instagram stories.
“Big love to Sabrina, but also to the creative teams of other artists… if we are clearly referencing a culture, please can you do it with the research, respect and care it deserves?” wrote the singer, who made her big screen acting debut in 2023’s “John Wick: Chapter 4.”
fake images
He also pointed out a very specific detail that was not culturally accurate.
“Shoes on tatami are jail,” he added, referring to the slippers Carpenter’s dancers wore as they strutted across the traditional Japanese rugs.
In accordance with Japanese etiquette, shoes and slippers are removed before stepping onto the tatami mats, which are constructed of rice straw and often appear in spaces reserved for prayer and other cultural rituals.
Carpenter has not yet responded to Sawayama’s comments.
However, the Asian theme of “Nobody’s Son” wasn’t the only aspect of her performance that made headlines, as she dropped two F-bombs after taking the “SNL” stage that made it past NBC’s censorship before the show aired on the East Coast.
NBC via Getty Images
TRUEdoes not haveInclination
Your supportFuelsOur Mission
Your supportFuelsOur Mission
We will not turn back
As more major networks align themselves with those in power, the space for fearless journalism is shrinking. By becoming a member, you support a newsroom that asks the tough questions, no matter who is in charge.
We remain committed to bringing you the unwavering, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.
Thank you again for your support along the way. We are truly grateful for readers like you! Your early support helped get us here and strengthened our newsroom, keeping us strong in uncertain times. As we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again.
We remain committed to bringing you the unwavering, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.
Thank you again for your support along the way. We are truly grateful for readers like you! Your early support helped get us here and strengthened our newsroom, keeping us strong in uncertain times. As we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again.
News Support
Have you already contributed? Sign in to hide these messages.
Over the years, pop stars such as Madonna and Katy Perry have also been criticized for referencing Japanese fashion and other traditions in their music videos and performances.
Perhaps the most egregious example is No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani, who was accused of cultural appropriation after adapting the avant-garde styles and attitude of Tokyo’s Harajuku district for her 2004 solo album, “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.”
When Stefani was asked by Allure in 2023 if she had learned anything from her Harajuku days, the singer, who is Italian-American and Irish-American, sparked controversy by claiming “twice that she was Japanese,” according to the outlet.