Carpenter's Brits performance sparks complaints, but poll shows most aren't bothered

A military-themed performance featuring dancers dressed as Household Division guardsmen has drawn hundreds of complaints, according to figures released by Ofcom.

American pop star Sabrina Carpenter opened the 2025 Brit Awards with a mash-up of her hit single Espresso and Rule, Britannia! - a patriotic anthem closely associated with the Royal Navy and British national identity.

Now Ofcom, the UK regulator overseeing television broadcasting, has revealed it received 825 complaints about The Brit Awards, with the majority concerning Carpenter's performance and fellow artist Charli XCX's revealing outfit.

• Royal Signals unit ready for historic debut after passing Fit for Role inspection
• Royal Signals unit prepares for historic debut carrying out ceremonial duties
• Princess Anne praises inspirational Chelsea Pensioners at this year's Founder's Day

A controversial tribute or just a bit of fun?

The show opened with a dance troupe of over 20 performers dressed as guardsmen, wearing scarlet tunics and what appeared to be authentic bearskin caps. 

As they moved across the stage in a military-style routine, they revealed Carpenter, who was dressed in a guards-inspired costume featuring a cross-belt, aiguillettes - decorative braided gold cords typically worn by senior officers and members of the Royal Family - and red suspender stockings.

While some viewers found the performance offensive, others saw it as light-hearted entertainment.

A poll conducted by Forces News on our YouTube channel asked whether the performance was inappropriate and deserving of complaints.

• 43% of respondents said it was disrespectful.
• 57% believed it was just a bit of fun.

One commenter, ScienceChap, remarked: "The great thing about us Brits is we don't take ourselves too seriously."

Authenticity of costumes sparks debate

Despite concerns over the portrayal of the Guards, the quality of the costumes was noted by some observers.

While not entirely accurate to the strict standards of the regiments, the tunics and bearskin caps were convincingly crafted, likely the work of expert designers accustomed to high-end film and television productions such as The Crown.

Ofcom has yet to confirm whether it will launch a formal investigation into the complaints. 

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.

The Brits' official X account did appear to make a tongue-in-cheek response to the complaints, saying, "there's 1 million reasons to love her, we can think of 825."