AceShowbiz - Sabrina Carpenter, the 25-year-old hitmaker behind chart-toppers like "Espresso" and "Please Please Please," has fiercely defended her image and artistry in the face of mounting criticism. Notable music moguls like Pete Waterman and Mike Stock have openly disparaged Sabrina's raunchy stage costumes and explicit lyrics, branding them as "offensive" and "lazy."

Waterman, 78, argued Sabrina didn't have to sexualize her image to be successful. Stock echoed these sentiments, saying, "If you're asking to be respected, don't come on in a G-string." He further added that sexualized lyrics were a "bad show" and "lazy."

However, Sabrina's response to these critiques has been unequivocal. In an interview with The Sun, Sabrina hit back at her detractors, stating, "My message has always been clear: if you can't handle a girl who is confident in her own sexuality, then don't come to my shows."

She emphasized that female artists have long been shamed for expressing their sexuality. "In the Noughties it was Rihanna, in the Nineties it was Britney Spears, in the Eighties it was Madonna - and now it's me," Sabrina pointed out, calling the criticisms "totally regressive."

Sabrina has explored the theme of body positivity and heartbreak through her music. She was frustrated by critics for focusing solely on the sexual aspects of her performances, ignoring the broader, more nuanced messages she conveys.

"It's like those who want to shame don't make comments when I talk about self-care or body positivity or heartbreak, which are all normal things a 25-year-old goes through," she observed.

The singer also stressed the importance of women supporting each other against such regressive attitudes. She noted that every woman, even those who may seem perfect, has her own insecurities.

"As women, we can look at another woman and be like, 'Oh, she has the perfect body,' but if you were to ask the woman you think has a perfect body, I guarantee she will have her own insecurities. That's why as women we need to be kind to each other," she said.

Despite the controversies, Sabrina's career has continued to soar. Her latest album, "Short n' Sweet," topped the Billboard 200 and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). She was also announced as the opening act for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour - a testament to her growing influence in the music industry.

For Sabrina Carpenter, embracing her sexuality and defending her artistic choices are integral to her identity as an artist. Her message to critics remains clear: those who cannot handle her confidence and self-expression are better off staying away from her shows.