Sabrina Carpenter fuels heated debate after being called out by fellow artist for ‘cultural insensitivity’ during SNL performance

Sabrina Carpenter has sparked a debate after her recent SNL performance was called out for 'cultural insensitivity'.

For those who missed it, the 'Espresso' hitmaker, 26, made her Saturday Night Live hosting debut over the weekend on 18 October.

She took centre stage as both the host and musical guest of the episode, performing two songs from her hit new album, Man's Best Friend, with each having their own backdrop and scene.

While the first of which featured the pop sensation dancing in a bedroom and singing into her hairbrush, the second was set in a dojo and had a martial arts theme.

Carpenter and her performers were all clad in gis - the loose white jackets which are traditionally worn in Jiu Jitsu.

However, Japanese-British singer Rina Sawayama has called out a pretty major mistake made during the performance.

The backlash comes from her backing performers wearing shoes while on the tatami mats (SNL)

Taking to Instagram after Carpenter's performance, Sawayama penned on her story: "Big love to Sabrina but fellow artists creative teams … if we are clearly referencing a culture, please can you do so with the research, respect and care it deserves.”

She brutally added: "Shoes on tatami is jail."

Tatami refers to a style of textured mat often used in martial arts dojos and training spaces.

Sawayama bringing light to this detail has sparked a debate online, with one Twitter user writing: "Rina’s point about cultural respect is valid, tatami etiquette is a big deal in Japan, and a quick Google search could’ve avoided this! But the creative team’s lack of research reflects a broader issue in pop: prioritising aesthetics over authenticity."

However, someone else argued: "She’s not wrong about respect, but artists correcting other artists publicly always feels performative. Call them, don’t post them."

While a third reasoned: "That’s a fair and thoughtful take from Rina. She managed to call for cultural awareness without being harsh. The shoes on tatami is jail line keeps it light but still makes her point clear respect for cultural details matters especially on big stages like SNL."

Rina Sawayama has called for more sensitivity and research when depicting other cultures in performances (Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images)

"Rina is absolutely right. Research, respect, and care are essential when using cultural references. It’s a responsibility toward both art and culture," agreed a fourth.

While a fifth penned: "As a Sabrina fan, I respect Rina speaking up about this. Cultural respect is important. No matter whether it is for performance or not, cultural appropriation is needed for the respect of those cultures. Like most cultures, Japan has its own and wishes people would respect it."

And a sixth chimed in with: "Notice how she came for creative teams and not the artist themself…very mindful very demure."

"Artists gotta remember that cultural references aren't just fun props. Do your homework or face the music. Simple," added another.

However, someone else pointed out that 'workplace safety rules for stages usually require shoes,' so this could be the reason behind the choice.

Tyla has contacted a representative for Sabrina and Saturday Night Live for comment.

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