Madonna addressed Sabrina Carpenter during an acceptance speech for Best Collaboration at the 2026 VMAs, saying Carpenter's team took five days to respond to a collaboration request, according to BBC News and Billboard.
Carpenter responded on stage, defending herself after the remark, according to HuffPost and GB News. Billboard reported Carpenter quipped, "My team is s--tting themselves backstage."
The Daily Beast characterized Madonna's remarks as an embarrassing moment for Carpenter, while GB News reported that Carpenter's on-stage response was censored by TV bosses, according to GB News.
Outlets differ in how they framed the exchange, with some describing it as a lighthearted joke and others portraying it as an awkward or embarrassing moment.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Daily Beast described Madonna's speech as an embarrassing moment for Carpenter.
- HuffPost reported that Carpenter defended herself after being called out by Madonna.
“Madonna, 68, Embarrasses Pop Star Sabrina Carpenter on Stage in Cringe VMAs Speech” — The Daily Beast
Center
- BBC News reported Madonna's specific claim that Carpenter's team took five days to respond to a collaboration request.
- Billboard quoted Carpenter's on-stage remark, "My team is s--tting themselves backstage."
“Madonna Jokingly Calls Out Sabrina Carpenter for Taking '5 Days' to Respond in Best Collab Speech at 2026 VMAs” — Billboard
Right
- GB News reported that Carpenter's on-stage defense was censored by TV bosses.
- GB News framed Madonna's remark as an awkward swipe at Carpenter.
“Sabrina Carpenter censored by TV bosses as she defends herself after awkward Madonna swipe at MTV VMAs” — GB News
Questions readers ask
What happened between Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter at the VMAs?
During a Best Collaboration acceptance speech at the 2026 VMAs, Madonna said Sabrina Carpenter's team took five days to respond to a collaboration request, according to BBC News and Billboard. Carpenter then defended herself on stage, according to HuffPost and GB News.
Did Sabrina Carpenter respond to Madonna's comments?
Yes. According to HuffPost and GB News, Carpenter defended herself on stage after Madonna's remarks. Billboard reported she said, "My team is s--tting themselves backstage."
Was Sabrina Carpenter's response censored?
According to GB News, TV bosses censored Carpenter's on-stage defense, though no other outlet in the supplied material confirmed this.
How did outlets differ in covering the exchange?
Left-leaning outlets described the moment as embarrassing for Carpenter, while center outlets focused on Madonna's specific claim about a five-day response delay and Carpenter's quip; a right-leaning outlet emphasized censorship of Carpenter's response.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- HuffPostLeft-leaningSabrina Carpenter Defends Herself After Madonna Calls Her Out In Acceptance Speech
- The Daily BeastLeft-leaningMadonna, 68, Embarrasses Pop Star Sabrina Carpenter on Stage in Cringe VMAs Speech
- BBC NewsCenterMadonna says Sabrina Carpenter's team took five days to respond to collab
- BillboardCenterMadonna Jokingly Calls Out Sabrina Carpenter for Taking ‘5 Days’ to Respond in Best Collab Speech at 2026 VMAs
- GB NewsRight-leaningSabrina Carpenter censored by TV bosses as she defends herself after awkward Madonna swipe at MTV VMAs