Webdesk: Sabrina Carpenter might not have released a single track from her upcoming album yet, but she’s already caused a stir online.
After facing criticism over the original artwork for ‘Man’s Best Friend’, the 25-year-old pop sensation has managed to flip the narrative. The controversy started in June, when Sabrina unveiled the first cover for her seventh studio album, due to arrive on 29 August.
The photo showed her on all fours in a short black dress and heels, with a man behind her gripping a handful of her hair. It was bold and edgy, but many fans didn’t take it well.
My new album, “Man’s Best Friend” 🐾
— Sabrina Carpenter (@SabrinaAnnLynn) June 11, 2025
is out on August 29, 2025.
i can’t wait for it to be yours x
Pre-order now: https://t.co/E7QJWhYV2D pic.twitter.com/UXVLzBQTj4
On X, users didn’t hold back, accusing the singer of leaning into the male gaze. Some called the artwork “performative feminism” and said it was “degrading.”
One fan commented, “For someone who keeps calling men PIGS, she keeps degrading herself to appeal to the male gaze.”
Another said, “Pretending to be this hyper-aware, feminist, anti-male figure, while your entire artistic identity still revolves around seeking male approval and being desirable to them is… a choice!”
Soon after the backlash, Sabrina swapped the artwork with a more subtle black and white image, one where she’s dancing with a suited man, clearly inspired by the classic vibe of Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller.
i signed some copies of Man’s Best Friend for you guys
— Sabrina Carpenter (@SabrinaAnnLynn) June 25, 2025
& here is a new alternate cover approved by God
available now on my website 🤍https://t.co/E7QJWhZsSb pic.twitter.com/Hl4xInhvnY
But even that didn’t silence the debate. Some thought it was too safe, while others missed the original edge.
Then came a surprise move, a third version. This time, fans were finally on board. Whether planned or not, the shift from outrage to approval showed just how quickly Sabrina can adapt and win the internet back.
New special edition cover of Man’s Best Friend available to pre-order now exclusively on rose vinyl 🌷 https://t.co/E7QJWhZsSb pic.twitter.com/fSA5XnKDKR
— Sabrina Carpenter (@SabrinaAnnLynn) July 8, 2025
Among the pictures were two standout looks that had fans gushing. In one, Sabrina Carpenter wore a delicate white dress with sheer lace, her blonde hair pulled back neatly as she posed beside a white house wall.
In the second, she turned away from the camera, walking along with her hair down and wearing a fitted grey blazer and matching skirt. A black clutch in hand completed the look, giving off chic, business-casual energy.
Despite the silence in her caption, fans were anything but quiet. The post instantly went viral, further proof that Sabrina doesn’t need words to capture attention.
By taking what could’ve been a PR disaster and turning it into a masterclass in reinvention, the Espresso singer, Sabrina Carpenter, has once again shown she knows exactly how to stay on top of pop culture conversations.
Whether or not Man’s Best Friend becomes a chart-topper, it’s already one of the most talked-about pop releases of the year, and not a single song has been released yet.
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