PETA Condemns Sabrina Carpenter’s Grammys 2026 Performance Over Use of Live Bird
Animal rights group calls the moment “childlike behavior,” warning that bright lights and loud noise can distress birds
Sabrina Carpenter’s visually dramatic performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards has sparked controversy, with animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sharply criticizing the pop star for using a live white dove as part of her onstage act.
The backlash followed Carpenter’s performance of “Manchild” on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where she opened the ceremony with an elaborate, airport-themed set. While the performance drew attention for its cinematic staging, it was the appearance of the live bird at the end of the act that prompted swift condemnation from PETA.
PETA’s Strong Rebuke
Shortly after the performance aired, PETA released a statement on social media calling out the 26-year-old singer for what it described as irresponsible behavior.
“Did Sabrina Carpenter really just bring a bird on stage in 2026?! The ‘Manchild’ singer is giving childlike behavior. Leave animals out of the #GRAMMYs,” the organization wrote, alongside an image of Carpenter holding the dove onstage.
In a more pointed message shared with the image, PETA added:
“Hey Sabrina. Bringing a live bird onto the Grammys stage is stupid, slow, useless, and cruel,” referencing lyrics from Carpenter’s own music.
The organization went on to warn that the high-pressure environment of a major awards show is unsuitable for animals. “Bright lights, loud noise, and handling cause fear and distress for a bird who belongs flying free in the open sky,” the statement continued.
The Performance Moment
Carpenter’s set featured a silver airplane centerpiece embedded into the stage. As the song neared its conclusion, she sat on a platform within the aircraft, which then lifted her into the air. At the climax of the performance, the singer revealed a white dove, holding the bird as it visibly flapped in her hands while she looked out toward the audience and the music faded.
The moment was intended as a striking visual finale, but it quickly became the focal point of criticism online.
No Response Yet from Carpenter
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Carpenter’s representatives for comment regarding PETA’s remarks. As of now, the singer has not publicly addressed the criticism.
A Big Night Despite the Controversy
Despite the backlash, Carpenter remained one of the most prominent figures of the evening. A two-time Grammy winner, she entered the 2026 ceremony with six nominations, including major nods for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video—all for “Manchild.”
While Carpenter’s Grammys appearance underscored her growing dominance in pop music, the debate surrounding her performance has reignited broader conversations about the use of live animals in entertainment—raising questions about artistic expression, responsibility, and animal welfare on one of music’s biggest stages.
