Sabrina Carpenter Unveils “God-Approved” Album Cover After Backlash Over Risqué Original

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter has unveiled an alternative album cover for her upcoming release Man’s Best Friend, following an online firestorm over the original artwork, which many critics slammed as overtly sexual and “misogynistic.”

The initial cover image, which showed Carpenter on all fours stroking a man’s leg as he gripped her hair, sparked immediate backlash across social media platforms. Fans flooded her Instagram comments with words like “disgusting,” “deeply irresponsible,” and “insanely misogynistic imagery.” Others expressed concern that the visual set a troubling tone for young fans, especially given Carpenter’s reputation as a former Disney star who has steadily evolved into a more mature pop persona.

Rather than retreat entirely, Carpenter chose a savvy middle ground—introducing a new, toned-down version of the cover while still keeping the original available for purchase. The revised image, shot in black-and-white, depicts the singer standing upright in an elegant setting, clinging to a sharply dressed man among a group of others. The atmosphere evokes sophistication, replacing sexual provocation with stylized ambiguity.

“I signed some copies of Man’s Best Friend for you guys & here is a new alternate cover approved by God,” Carpenter wrote in a social media post announcing the new artwork, complete with a white heart emoji.

The phrase “approved by God” quickly took on a life of its own, fueling both praise and sarcasm online. While many fans appreciated Carpenter’s willingness to offer an option that might appeal to broader audiences—including younger fans and more conservative listeners—others saw the move as ironic, given that the original cover remains prominently featured on her website and available on select vinyl editions.

“This is clearly a strategic pivot,” said pop culture analyst Marissa Greene. “Carpenter managed to acknowledge the criticism without actually ceding creative control. She gave her fans a choice, which is a smart way to navigate a controversy without letting it define the narrative.”

The marketing pivot also highlights the ongoing tension female artists face in the public eye—particularly when exploring themes of sexuality and empowerment. While Carpenter has embraced a more provocative image in recent singles like “Espresso,” the backlash over her album artwork underscores the fine line many women in pop must walk between expression and societal expectations.

“This is not the first time a female artist has been criticized for exploring her sexuality through art,” Greene continued. “But what’s interesting here is how Carpenter leaned into the discourse. She’s cheeky, she’s aware—and that awareness has become part of her brand.”

Indeed, Carpenter’s response seems more calculated than contrite. By labeling the new version as “God-approved,” she playfully throws the judgment back at her critics, framing the alternate cover as a concession rather than a surrender. She didn’t apologize. She didn’t delete the original. She simply diversified the visuals, perhaps understanding better than most that in today’s digital age, controversy can be as commercially powerful as praise.

Meanwhile, vinyls featuring the original image are still available on her official website, indicating that the sultry aesthetic is still part of the Man’s Best Friend identity—just not the only part.

As for the music itself, anticipation remains high. Carpenter’s most recent hits have cemented her as a pop force to be reckoned with, deftly balancing catchy production with increasingly mature themes. Man’s Best Friend is expected to continue that evolution, even if its visuals remain a flashpoint for debate.

For now, the new cover may help calm some of the storm—but only temporarily. If Carpenter’s creative direction holds, it’s likely this won’t be the last time she provokes strong reactions from both fans and critics.

In a digital culture that scrutinizes every move, Carpenter appears unbothered and self-aware—traits that may prove just as integral to her rising stardom as her chart-topping singles. Whether on all fours or standing tall, she’s determined to steer her narrative on her own terms.

And if it takes a “God-approved” wink to do that, so be it.