Sabrina Carpenter’s Bold Performance on "Saturday Night Live" Shocks Viewers
On the October 18 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” Sabrina Carpenter made headlines with her performance of “Nobody’s Song” from her album “Man’s Best Friend.” During the live show, she unapologetically delivered the lyrics “He sure fucked me up” not once, but twice, without any censorship. This unexpected move seemed to catch NBC’s censors off guard, as the profanity went uncensored during both the East Coast broadcast and the Peacock simulcast. Viewers on the West Coast, however, experienced a slight delay in the feed, where the audio cut out during the explicit moments.
Carpenter not only performed but also hosted the episode, showcasing her multi-talented abilities. The standout performance of “Nobody’s Song,” which featured an impressive martial arts-themed stage setup, took place toward the end of the show, following her earlier rendition of “Manchild.”
This isn’t the first time Carpenter has surprised audiences with her language. During the 2025 VMAs, while accepting the Best Album Award, she expressed her gratitude with an enthusiastic, “this world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity. So to get to be a part of something that can bring you light, make you smile, make you dance and make you feel like the world is your fucking oyster, I am so grateful.”
The use of explicit language on “Saturday Night Live” has a storied history, often leading to discussions about the potential for FCC fines. Iconic hosts like Kristen Stewart, Sam Rockwell, and Ariana Grande have all slipped uncensored language into their performances, while cast members such as Norm Macdonald and Jenny Slate have done the same. The Replacements famously dropped an F-bomb during their 1986 performance, highlighting the show’s reputation for pushing boundaries.
In addition to Carpenter’s boldness, the past week saw another high-profile use of profanity from an unexpected source. Former President Donald Trump used the F-word during a live news conference, referring to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and stating, “he doesn’t want to fuck around with the United States.” The White House’s official accounts even shared video clips of his comments, embracing the rough language.
As Sabrina Carpenter continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, her fearless approach to performance, combined with a provocative use of language, keeps audiences talking and sets her apart in the world of live television.
