Everything You Need to Know About Sabrina Carpenter’s “Jesus was a Carpenter” T-Shirt from Coachella

Turning Controversy into Couture: The Story Behind Sabrina Carpenter’s Viral Coachella T-Shirt

Breanna Conn
3 min readApr 13, 2024

1. The Spotlight Moment at Coachella

Sabrina Carpenter, known for her catchy tunes and striking fashion choices, made headlines at Coachella with a T-shirt that was as statement-making as her performance. The shirt, bearing the phrase “Jesus was a Carpenter” wasn’t just about style; it was a bold blend of personal identity and historical reference.

Sabrina Carpenter sports ‘Jesus was a Carpenter’ shirt during her Coachella set.
Sabrina Carpenter sports ‘Jesus was a Carpenter’ shirt during her Coachella set.

2. The Origin of the Controversial Quote

The backstory of the “Jesus was a Carpenter” shirt is deeply intertwined with a moment of controversy. During the release of her music video for “Feather” which was filmed inside a Catholic church, Sabrina faced backlash for what some perceived as a disrespectful use of a sacred space. The video led to significant repercussions for the church staff involved, culminating in the removal of a priest from his duties. In response to the outcry, Sabrina defended her actions in an interview with Variety, stating, “We got approval in advance” and cleverly added, “Jesus was a Carpenter”. This response cleverly tied her surname to the profession of Jesus, providing a witty retort to her critics and turning the phrase into a viral moment.

3. Why the Shirt Caught On

Sabrina’s T-shirt at Coachella was more than just merchandise; it symbolized her resilience and ability to engage with cultural narratives creatively. The phrase on the shirt became a symbol of Sabrina’s savvy navigation of personal branding and public controversy. It resonated with fans and onlookers as both a clever comeback and a smart fashion choice, enhancing her image as an artist who is both thoughtful and bold.

4. Where to Get the Iconic Shirt

For fans eager to own a piece of this pop culture moment, the “Jesus was a Carpenter” shirt is available for purchase. Embrace Sabrina’s clever wordplay and show your support by grabbing this iconic shirt from Etsy or Rockatee. Whether you’re a fan of her music or her approach to controversy, this shirt is a must-have.

“Jesus was a Carpenter” shirt at rockatee

5. Social Media Reacts

The reaction on social media to Sabrina’s shirt was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and followers praising her for her audaciousness and wit. The phrase “Jesus was a Carpenter” was lauded for its humor and depth, reflecting Sabrina’s ability to turn a potentially negative situation into an empowering statement.

Social Media Reacts (X) about the T-shirt
Social Media Reacts (X)

This shirt is not just a piece of clothing but a statement of artistic expression and personal defiance, a testament to Sabrina Carpenter’s role as a modern pop icon who skillfully blends controversy with creativity.

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Breanna Conn
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Breanna Conn — Founder of Bucktee, entrepreneur, graphic designer. 5 years experience in design and custom clothing printing industry. Web : https://bucktee.com