Sabrina Carpenter has defended her upcoming album 'Man's Best Friend' against critics who accused her of 'exploiting the male gaze'. The 26-year-old pop star told CBS Mornings that the album is 'not for the pearl clutchers', though she acknowledged her lyrics can be 'really bold'.
The album cover, which shows Carpenter on all fours with a faceless suited figure gripping her hair, drew criticism from Glasgow's Women's Aid, who called it 'regressive' and said it 'reduces women to pets, props, and possessions'. However, some fans argued the image is satirical, portraying how the public views her.
Carpenter also addressed her onstage performances, which include simulated sex positions during her song 'Juno' on the 'Short n’ Sweet Tour'. She said she hopes fans can see the fun in it, adding: 'This is just fun and that's all it has to be.'
Despite the controversy, Carpenter has been asked to collaborate with Taylor Swift on the title track of Swift's upcoming album 'The Life of a Showgirl'. Swift announced the duet on August 11, noting it is the only duet on the album.
Carpenter previously worked with Justin Baldoni on the 2020 Disney+ musical drama 'Clouds', and spoke highly of him, praising his attention to detail. Baldoni is currently in a legal battle with Blake Lively, who accused him of sexual harassment on the set of 'It Ends With Us'.
