Hollywood star Colman Domingo, known for his powerful performances in films like Sing Sing and Rustin, has addressed online backlash over his drag appearance in Sabrina Carpenter’s latest music video Tears. The video, a striking homage to the cult-classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has sparked conversations about gender expression, drag culture, and artistic freedom.
The controversy began when a social media user criticized Domingo’s portrayal, suggesting Hollywood was undermining his masculinity despite his respected acting career. In response, the 55-year-old actor fired back with a confident statement:
“It’s a character. Like all the characters I play. Calm down brother. Enjoy the video and the fun that it possesses. Dance it out! It ain’t that deep,” Domingo wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He added, “We are born naked and everything else is drag — suits, T-shirts, dresses. All drag.”
Released on August 29 alongside Carpenter’s seventh studio album Man’s Best Friend, Tears features surreal storytelling, theatrical performances, and bold fashion choices. The video shows Carpenter surviving a car crash before entering a mysterious mansion filled with vibrant celebrations, where Domingo channels a Dr. Frank-N-Furter–inspired character who guides her transformation.
The narrative takes a shocking twist when Carpenter’s presumed-dead lover reappears, only for her to strike him down in a scene that blends humor, darkness, and camp. With this project, Carpenter continues to push creative boundaries, pairing her pop sound with bold visuals and Domingo’s commanding on-screen presence.
Domingo’s response emphasizes the essence of drag culture and artistic performance — rejecting toxic masculinity criticism and celebrating freedom of expression in entertainment.
