Sabrina Carpenter jokes she’s ‘had to train men’ after taking swipe at ex Barry Keoghan – as she strips off for shoot

Sabrina Carpenter jokes she’s ‘had to train men’ after taking swipe at ex Barry Keoghan – as she strips off for shoot

Sabrina Carpenter, the multifaceted singer-songwriter, recently stirred up a playful buzz with her lighthearted take on "training men." This quip followed a striking photoshoot for Vogue Italia, where she exuded confidence and undeniable allure.

At 26, Carpenter continues to captivate audiences with her evolving artistry and willingness to explore diverse creative avenues. Her Vogue Italia appearance further solidifies her position as a prominent figure in both the music and fashion spheres.

The "House Tour" singer's Vogue Italia feature showcased her stunning presence and her ability to command attention, reinforcing her status as a rising star. The images, imbued with artistic flair, highlighted her innate charisma and style.

Carpenter's commentary on "training men" surfaced during an interview with the magazine, offering a glimpse into her perspective on relationships and societal dynamics. Her remarks, delivered with a characteristic blend of wit and insight, resonated with many.

Sabrina Carpenter on the October cover of Vogue Italia.

The photoshoot saw Carpenter embrace a confident and bold aesthetic, while her latest album, "Man's Best Friend," seemingly alludes to past experiences, perhaps even a subtle nod to her relationship with actor Barry Keoghan.

During her Vogue Italia interview, Carpenter openly shared her views on men, characterizing them as a "super entertaining species." This candid observation sparked further discussion about gender dynamics and her personal experiences.

Carpenter's romance with Keoghan brought her even further into the public eye, amplifying her already growing star power. The relationship, marked by both public appearances and quieter moments, contributed to her visibility and appeal.

The pair's relationship, though followed closely by fans and media alike, eventually came to an end after approximately a year, having started around December 2023 and concluding in December 2024. The ebb and flow of their romance kept them in the headlines.

Sabrina Carpenter on the October cover of Vogue Italia.

Carpenter, reflecting on the perceived need for women to guide and educate men, shared a humorous anecdote. "When one of my female friends announces that she's having a son, I just rejoice for that young boy, because I know he's going to be raised right," she stated, underscoring her belief in the importance of early influence.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, I've only been on Earth for 26 years, but I feel like we've always kind of had to train them. Unfortunately, it's a tale as old as time," Carpenter added, using a touch of sarcasm to highlight a recurring societal observation.

Expanding on her perspective, Carpenter mused, "I do think that men have been a super entertaining species to watch. In positive and negative ways." This nuanced view acknowledged both the positive and challenging aspects of her interactions with men.

"I feel really adored and inspired and loved by some of them… and really confused and attacked and ridiculed by others," she continued, candidly sharing the spectrum of emotions she has experienced.

Sabrina Carpenter poses for the October cover of Vogue Italia.

Seemingly referencing past relationship challenges, Carpenter emphasized the importance of finding humor in uncomfortable situations. "Part of life is making light of moments that maybe make us uncomfortable, or at least, that is for me," she explained.

"My whole life I felt like humor was just this, and it wasn't even always humor, I think it was usually just sort of a wit that kind of saved me," Carpenter reflected, emphasizing the role of humor in navigating life's complexities.

"It was always there to make sure that at the end of the day I was protecting myself for the long haul," she added, highlighting the defensive nature of her wit and its function as a shield.

Carpenter's remarks followed a defense of her album cover, which drew criticism for its provocative imagery. The cover depicted Carpenter on all fours, led by a man, sparking controversy among some observers.

Cover art for Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend" showing a woman on her knees looking up as a man in a suit pulls her hair.

Speaking on the "Zane Lowe Show" on Apple Music, Carpenter addressed the backlash, stating, "There is a generation that gets offended by some of the things I do. I'm also not to be so self-aware, but I'm a pop star." This acknowledged the generational divide in interpreting her artistic choices.

"The whole purpose of the photo was supposed to be cheeky and airy and playful of like, 'I got myself here, this is someone I love but also someone that emotionally can be doing a lot with my heart'," Carpenter explained, providing context for the image's intended message.

"There was only one shot that had lighting the way I wanted, with this facial expression where I'm clearly in control," she added, emphasizing the artistic choices behind the final image.

The dating rumors surrounding Carpenter and Keoghan first ignited in December 2023, after the pair was spotted enjoying a dinner date in Los Angeles. This initial sighting set the stage for months of speculation and public appearances.

Sabrina Carpenter on the October cover of Vogue Italia.

Throughout their relationship, Carpenter and Keoghan were frequently photographed on dates and enjoying nights out, further fueling public interest in their dynamic.

In March 2024, Keoghan demonstrated his support for Carpenter by attending her performance as the opening act for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Singapore. His presence underscored the pair's connection and mutual support.

Following her set, Carpenter was seen running off stage and directly into Keoghan's arms, a public display of affection that further solidified their relationship in the eyes of fans and media.

The couple also stood shoulder-to-shoulder as Taylor Swift took to the stage, showcasing a united front and their shared enjoyment of the concert experience. Their close proximity signaled a strong bond between them.

A month later, Keoghan once again showed his support for Carpenter, this time during her performance at Coachella, further solidifying his role as a supportive partner.