With two Grammys, a Brit and an MTV Video Music award under her belt (so far), it's hard to believe that Sabrina Carpenter has ever been subject to 'nepo baby' allegations.
The truth is, however, the singer does gloat a pretty huge-name family member, an auntie, the work of whom most telly-lovers will be more than familiar with. And as such, Carpenter's talent has long been questioned by a small number of online critics, who allege that she wouldn't be in the impressive position she is, without said relative.
For those in need of a reminder, of the 26-year-old superstar's credentials, she first sky-rocketed into the spotlight as a teenager in 2014, having landed a role on Disney Channel's Girl Meets World.
The family-friendly role secured her a reputation as rising star, which helped when she launched her music career the same year.
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In the years since her debut EP Can't Blame a Girl for Trying, Carpenter has centred her focus on topping the charts, and after transitioning her genre from teen-pop to mature, folksy music, she secured both critical and commercial success.
Her 2024 banger 'Espresso' reached and retained the No. 1 spot in hordes of countries, and earned her her first Grammy win.
Now, being one of the most highly sought-after female hit-makers of today has also seen Carpenter subjected to scrutiny with regards to how exactly she secured her global fame status.
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Such criticism also soared when it became apparent that the star boasted an A-list relative - none other than Nancy Cartwright, the actress and vocalist who famously supplied the voice of Bart in The Simpsons.
Yep, 67-year-old Primetime Emmy Award winner Cartwright's stepbrother David is actually Carpenter's old man.
Giving her niece a special shout-out on Facebook in a 2016 that has recently resurfaced, she penned: "My niece, Sabrina Carpenter, at the Roxy!
"She is all of 17 - going on 30! So smart-sexy!! Look for her! She is a star!"
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And for a number of online trolls, this family connection allegedly 'explains everything'.
Taking to Reddit recently, one user hit out: "Sabrina is 100% a nepo baby and she benefited from her Aunt's Disney connections!"
In response, one blindsided critic complained: "They've worked very hard to hide that fact. It's why they've been lying and trying to convince people Nancy wasn't close to Sabrina or her aunt. I hope the truth spreads further."
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Another added: "It’s very obvious her connections helped her and not some mystery cult or group of people controlling Hollywood behind the scenes (which is what I’ve seen multiple posts say); it’s straight forward nepotism."
For a number of fans of the musician, however, Carpenter's connections are nothing other than a happy coincidence.
Expressing their shock on X recently, one gushed: "SABRINA CARPENTER'S AUNT VOICES BART SIMPSON WHAT!"
A second asked: "Why did no one tell me that Sabrina Carpenter’s aunt is the voice of Bart Simpson?"
Topics: Sabrina Carpenter, Celebrity, US News
Rhianna Benson