Sabrina Carpenter explains controversial 'Man's Best Friend' album cover
What's the story
Sabrina Carpenter, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter, has finally addressed the controversy surrounding her latest album cover art for Man's Best Friend. The artwork depicted her on all fours while an unidentified man tugged at her hair. Many netizens thought the cover was demeaning to women. In a recent interview with Variety's Hitmakers Issue, Carpenter explained that the image was meant to symbolize how women are often controlled by men.
Artist's perspective
Carpenter acknowledged backlash but stood by her vision
Carpenter said, "It was about how people try to control women, and how I felt emotionally yanked around by these relationships that I had, and how much power you're allowing yourself to give them." "It meant one thing to me and 100 things to other people. Not to bypass the weight that it did carry for some people." She added, "I saw it and was like, 'That is a great point. It wasn't the point I was trying to make.'"
Artist's stance
Carpenter's personal boundaries and sexual expression
Carpenter also opened up about her views on sexuality in the interview. She recalled idolizing women who sang about sex when she was younger, saying, "I always thought, 'When I grow up, then I get to embrace my sexuality more.'" "People think, 'Oh, she'll say and do anything.' No. I really do have boundaries with myself, you'd be surprised!"
Critical acclaim
Carpenter's album received positive reception despite controversy
She added, "I'm just actually living my life, and you're watching. If you don't like it, it's not for you. If you do like it, let's play." Despite the controversy, Carpenter's album has been well-received. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and was met with "the most beautiful reception."