Sabrina Carpenter Hosts SNL, Addresses 'Horndog' Image, Sparks Controversy

Sabrina Carpenter hosted and served as musical guest on Saturday Night Live, using her platform to address and parody her provocative public image. She opened her monologue joking about being seen as a "horndog pop star," emphasizing her sexual confidence while also humorously claiming a love for reading encyclopedias. Carpenter tackled controversy surrounding her album cover for "Man's Best Friend," explaining that the image of her on all fours with someone pulling her hair was a cropped photo from the SNL 50th anniversary special, portraying Bowen Yang helping her up after a comedic incident. Her performances included uncensored use of explicit language during "Nobody's Son," and she engaged the audience with playful banter, including a flirtatious exchange with a fan. The episode also featured a viral sketch parodying Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga songs, further showcasing Carpenter's cheeky humor and self-awareness. Public reactions to Carpenter's sexualized persona and album imagery have been mixed, with some criticism framed within broader cultural debates, though Carpenter embraces the playful and vaudevillian nature of her artistry.