Why are pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX using cigarettes in their music and social media?

According to experts, the use of cigarettes by female pop stars may be a form of self-empowerment, as a way to reclaim the cigarette as a symbol of strength despite the known health risks.

How is the tobacco industry responding to the increased visibility of smoking in pop culture?

The World Health Organization warns that the tobacco industry often enlists celebrities and influencers to promote smoking to young people, frequently without disclosure, portraying it as stylish and harmless.

What are the potential impacts of pop stars featuring smoking on social media?

Research shows that exposure to tobacco content on social media can double the odds of tobacco use among young people compared to those who are not exposed.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pop Stars Flaunt Cigarettes, Reigniting Smoking Debate in Music Culture

Pop Stars Flaunt Cigarettes, Reigniting Smoking Debate in Music Culture

17 Nov

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Summary

Sabrina Carpenter poses with cigarette in corset made of cigarette packs
Charli XCX promotes "Brat Summer" with cigarettes as part of the look
Smoking seen as symbol of empowerment for female pop stars

Pop Stars Flaunt Cigarettes, Reigniting Smoking Debate in Music Culture

As of November 17th, 2025, pop music culture is seeing a resurgence of smoking among female superstars. US singer Sabrina Carpenter recently posted a series of Instagram photos where she is seen leaning over a sink, cigarette in hand, wearing a corset made entirely of cigarette packs. The photos have garnered over 2 million likes.

In her new music video for "Manchild," Carpenter is also shown casually taking a drag on a cigarette. British singer Charli XCX has also been embracing the smoking aesthetic, posing as a smoker to promote her 2024 album "Brat." In a BBC interview, Charli XCX said all you need to embody the "Brat" look is "a top without a bra, a lighter and - of course - a pack of smokes."