In a surprising and delightful collaboration, Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo has appeared in drag in Sabrina Carpenter’s new music video for her song “Tears.” The visual, a campy, vibrant homage to the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has quickly gone viral. While most fans celebrated the fun and bold performance, some online critics were quick to condemn it. Domingo, however, is not shedding any “Tears” over the backlash. Instead, he has responded with a message of grace and a philosophical observation on the nature of performance that has only served to fuel the fire of creative expression.
A Campy Tribute and a Bold Performance
The new music video for Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears” is a visual feast, a playful and meticulously crafted tribute to the 1975 midnight movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The video, directed by Bardia Zeinali, begins with Carpenter, styled as a classic Hitchcockian blonde, stumbling upon a gothic mansion after a car crash. Inside, she is welcomed by a character inspired by the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played with theatrical flair by Colman Domingo.
Domingo’s performance is nothing short of a spectacle. Decked out in a soaring wig, full makeup, and a cherry-red corset, he channels the spirit of the original musical’s gender-fluid alien scientist. His character serves as a “drag mother” who guides Carpenter from a state of shock and innocence into a world of disco-fueled freedom and self-expression. It is a bold, “campy good time” as Domingo and Carpenter dance, play, and revel in the fantasy, proving that true artistry lies in the willingness to play outside the lines. The video’s theatrical flair and unapologetic celebration of queer culture have been praised by many as a powerful and much-needed statement in the current pop landscape.
The Actor’s Direct Response to Criticism
While the video was met with widespread acclaim, a predictable wave of criticism followed, with some online commenters condemning Domingo’s drag appearance. However, the actor, known for his masterful roles in everything from Euphoria to Sing Sing, was not about to let the negativity stand. He took to social media to respond directly to a critic, shutting down the complaints with a calm and insightful message.
“It’s a character,” Domingo wrote, making a point that his role in the video is no different from any of the other characters he has played throughout his career. He urged the critic to “Calm down brother. Enjoy the video and the fun that it possesses. Dance it out! It ain’t that deep.” In a nod to a famous drag icon, he then added a final, powerful thought: “‘We are born naked and everything else is drag’ Suits, t shirts, dresses. All drag.” The response was a masterclass in shutting down a baseless critique with a simple and eloquent point about the nature of performance and identity itself.
Drag as an Art Form
Domingo’s use of a famous quote from RuPaul, a testament to the influence of drag on mainstream culture, serves as a powerful reminder of what drag truly is. Drag is a form of self-expression, a performance art that allows artists to create a persona through makeup, clothing, and physicality. It is not just about gender, but about the very act of dressing up and becoming someone else, a concept that a stage and screen actor like Domingo knows intimately.
His message resonated with fans who celebrated his decision to stand by his creative choices. For many, his appearance in the video, particularly as an accomplished and celebrated actor, helps to normalize and celebrate an art form that has long been a part of queer and theatrical culture. It also contributes to a growing conversation about how drag, once relegated to underground clubs, is now becoming a more visible and accepted part of the mainstream entertainment world.
The Legacy of ‘Rocky Horror’
The choice of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as inspiration is no accident. The 1975 film has long been a cultural touchstone and is widely considered the ultimate cult classic. Its themes of gender fluidity, rebellion, and sexual liberation have made it a favorite among LGBTQ+ communities and those who feel like outsiders. The film’s protagonist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a gender-fluid alien scientist, is an iconic figure whose style and performance paved the way for future artists to express themselves without fear.
The movie’s legendary status is defined by its interactive screenings, where audiences dress up as characters, shout out lines, and perform the “Time Warp” in the theater aisles. Domingo’s portrayal pays homage to this legacy, celebrating an influential piece of art that has always championed the theatrical, the weird, and the wonderful. In embodying the essence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, he is not just playing a part; he is joining a long tradition of performers who have found freedom and a powerful voice in the art of drag.
