Why Sabrina Carpenter’s New Song ‘Manchild’ Is Ableist

If y’all follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you know I’m a ride-or-die for the pop music girlies. I love a catchy beat and a glittery performance just as much as the next Zillenial. But part of loving someone—or something—is being honest when they mess up, and Sabrina Carpenter’s new song ‘Manchild’ Is ableist.

The lyric “Stupid, or is it slow?” isn’t just a shady diss. It’s an ableist one. And it deserves a real conversation.

1. “Slow” Isn’t Just a Taunt — It Carries History

Sabrina Carpenter’s new song ‘Manchild’ is ableist . On the surface, “slow” might seem like a throwaway insult. But so did “spaz”… until Lizzo and Beyoncé faced widespread backlash for using it in their lyrics. (I actually spoke to Billboard and other outlets about this at the time—more on that below!)

Words like “slow” have been used to mock, belittle, and stereotype disabled people for centuries, especially those with intellectual or learning disabilities.
And when someone with a massive platform like Sabrina uses that word in a catchy pop hook, it doesn’t just sting, it reinforces stigma.

As a disabled woman, I’m telling you: words matter. They shape how society views us. This lyric isn’t funny. It’s lazy and harmful.

2. “Spaz” Throwback: A Lesson in Celebrity Accountability

Back in 2022, Lizzo changed the lyrics in her song “GRRRLS” after disabled advocates spoke out. Then Beyoncé did the same on Renaissance. Those edits weren’t just PR moves, they were public acknowledgements that ableism has no place in music.

If two of the biggest artists in the world can reflect, learn, and evolve, why can’t Sabrina?

And while we’re here, let’s talk about the double standard.

Both Beyoncé and Lizzo faced immediate, intense backlash. Sabrina’s song has been out for weeks, and the conversation? Crickets.

This isn’t just about ableism, it’s about race. Why are Black women torn down and held to harsher standards while white women get a pass? This disparity needs to be named and addressed. We can’t demand justice for some and silence for others.

3. Intent ≠ Impact

“But Jess, it’s just a joke!”

We’ve heard it before. The reality is, intention doesn’t erase harm.
Marginalized communities are told to “lighten up” every time we speak out. That’s gaslighting.

Artists like Sabrina Carpenter have the power to shape pop culture. And personally? I want to see that power used to uplift and create positive change in our world, not marginalize the people who already fight to be seen.

Remember Sia’s deeply harmful portrayal of autism in her film Music? That’s what happens when artists ignore feedback and double down on offensive choices.

4. A Call to Action: What Sabrina (and Pop Music) Can Do To Be Less Ableist

Sabrina Carpenter’s new song ‘Manchild’ Is ableist, but it doesn’t have to be.

• Listen. Acknowledge the feedback. “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, and I’m listening now” is a great start.
  
• Edit the lyric. Beyoncé and Lizzo did it. Sabrina can too.
  
• Collaborate with disabled creatives. There are so many of us—singers, dancers, writers, producers—who deserve seats at the table. (👋 Hi, I’m one of them. Check out my new music)
  

If you care about inclusion, prove it through your work, not just your Instagram captions.

5. What YOU Can Do

This isn’t about “canceling” Sabrina Carpenter. I don’t believe in cancel culture. I believe in accountability.

We all make mistakes. What matters is how we respond to them.

So here’s your challenge:
📵 The next time Manchild comes on your Spotify playlist, hit skip.
🎧 Blast Espresso or Sharpest Tool instead (they’re still bangers, let’s be honest).
📢 And speak up—whether on social, with friends, or in your group chats.

Together, we can shift the culture by saying: we expect better from the people we love.

✍️ As Quoted In…

Want to dig deeper? Here are a few articles where I spoke about this issue during the “spaz” controversy:

• Billboard: Beyoncé Faces Backlash for Ableist Lyric
  
• The National News: How Beyoncé’s Ableist Lyric Sparked a Global Conversation
  
• Metro UK: Disability Activists Explain Why These Lyrics Harm

📌 TL;DR (for the scroller) – Sabrina Carpenter’s New Song Is Ableist

Sabrina Carpenter’s “slow” lyric in Manchild reinforces ableist stereotypes. It’s harmful, disappointing, and deserves more attention than it’s getting.
It’s time for all artists, especially those with massive platforms, to do better. And it starts with listening.