Sabrina Carpenter's new album cover sparks controversy online

Sabrina Carpenter announced her upcoming album Man’s Best Friend on Wednesday, but it was the provocative cover art, not the music, that ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media.

During an Instagram Live session, the 26-year-old singer revealed the album in a video where she flipped through vinyl records by legends like Donna Summer, ABBA, and Dolly Parton, before stopping at her own, unveiling Man’s Best Friend. 

According to Daily Mail, the teaser showed Carpenter on all fours, with a faceless figure in black slacks gripping her blonde hair, a visual that quickly drew backlash for its overtly sexual and submissive imagery.

In addition, Carpenter posted a close-up of a heart-shaped dog collar engraved with the album's title, further fueling debate over the album’s suggestive concept.

Moreover, online reaction was swift and divisive. Critics condemned the cover as “cringe” and “pathetic,” with one social media user calling it “dumpster humanity,” while others accused the pop star of confusing shock value for artistry. 

One user wrote, “She’s trying to be transgressive, but it just comes off as dumb in this era.”

Still, many fans came to Carpenter’s defense, praising her boldness and voicing excitement for the new music. 

As per the outlet, one supporter tweeted, “She’s coming for album of the year — I’m here for it,” while another added, “Man’s Best Friend is saving my life and it’s not even out yet.”

Additionally, the album’s rollout follows the recent release of its lead single, Manchild, which has already reached the top of both the Spotify U.S. and Global charts. 

Co-written with Grammy-winning producer Jack Antonoff, the song also appeared to take aim at Carpenter’s ex-boyfriend, actor Barry Keoghan, whom she dated from late 2023 until their quiet split earlier this year. 

In announcing the track, she teased, “This one’s about you!!”

Furthermore, Carpenter’s previous album Short n’ Sweet, released in August 2024, was a commercial and critical success, earning six Grammy nominations and selling over 10 million copies globally. 

Its three singles, Espresso, Please Please Please, and Taste, all surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.