PETA Criticizes Sabrina Carpenter for Using Live Dove in Grammys Performance

Animal rights group claims the bright lights and noise caused "fear and distress" for the bird.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:55pm

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The animal rights organization PETA has criticized singer Sabrina Carpenter for using a live dove during her performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. PETA claimed the bright lights and noise of the event caused "fear and distress" for the bird, despite Carpenter not harming or mistreating the animal. This is the latest in a series of controversial actions by PETA, which has been active in New Jersey in recent years, including a nude protest at a Whole Foods store and advocating for a law banning traveling wild-animal acts.

Why it matters

PETA's criticism of Carpenter's use of the live dove highlights the group's aggressive and sometimes hyperbolic approach to animal rights advocacy, which has drawn both praise and criticism over the years. The incident also reflects the ongoing debate around the ethical treatment of animals, particularly in the entertainment industry.

The details

During Carpenter's performance of "Manchild" at the 2026 Grammy Awards, she briefly held a live dove on stage. PETA criticized this, claiming the bright lights and noise of the event caused "fear and distress" for the bird. However, Carpenter did not harm or mistreat the animal in any way. PETA has a history of controversial actions, including a nude protest at a New Jersey Whole Foods store and successfully advocating for a law banning traveling wild-animal acts in the state.

  • Sabrina Carpenter's Grammys performance took place on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
  • In 2025, PETA held a nude protest at a Whole Foods store in Jersey City, New Jersey.
  • PETA successfully advocated for "Nosey's Law," which banned traveling wild-animal acts in New Jersey.

The players

Sabrina Carpenter

A singer who performed at the 2026 Grammy Awards and briefly held a live dove on stage during her performance.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

An animal rights organization that has been active in New Jersey and has criticized Carpenter's use of a live dove during her Grammys performance.

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What they’re saying

“Did @SabrinaAnnLynn really just bring a bird on stage in 2026?! The Manchild singer is giving childlike behavior. Leave animals out of the #GRAMMYs”

— PETA

“Hey Sabrina. Bringing a live bird onto the Grammys stage is stupid, slow, useless, and cruel”

— PETA

What’s next

It remains to be seen if PETA will continue to criticize Sabrina Carpenter or other artists for their use of animals in performances or events.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the ethical treatment of animals, particularly in the entertainment industry, and PETA's aggressive approach to animal rights advocacy, which has drawn both praise and criticism over the years.