"Sabrina Carpenter staged a drag riot on the stage of the VMAs. Coming up from the sewer, Carpenter sang her new single "Tears" as drag performers clashed with hot cops. It was like the SNL New York musicals, except Willam was there instead of Pete Davidson and John Mulaney. Same diff. Other RuPaul's Drag Race stars, including Denali and Symone, held up protest signs that read things like "Protect Trans Rights," "Support Local Drag," and "If You Hate You'll Never Get Laid.""
"The performance comes as trans rights are eroded across the country, and drag performers are attacked for their art. The VMAs aren't known for being the most political of award shows. There are some highlights - like Fiona Apple's " This World is Bullshit" speech or Taylor Swift shouting out Vote.gov in 2024. Last year, Carpenter kissed a female-presenting alien. But as SNL's Jane Wickline pointed out on " Weekend Update," it didn't really move the needle."
Sabrina Carpenter staged a theatrical drag riot at the 2025 VMAs, emerging from a sewer to perform "Tears" as drag performers clashed with police figures. RuPaul's Drag Race alums, including Denali and Symone, brandished protest signs reading "Protect Trans Rights," "Support Local Drag," and "If You Hate You'll Never Get Laid." The performance echoed SNL musical sketches and followed prior provocative moments from Carpenter, positioning her within current culture-war conversations. The act arrives amid nationwide rollbacks of trans rights and increasing attacks on drag, and the "Tears" video starring Colman Domingo amplifies the political framing.
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