Carly Simon Defends Sabrina Carpenter Amid Criticism of New Album Cover

Singer Carly Simon has come to the defense of pop artist Sabrina Carpenter, who has been criticized for the provocative artwork on her upcoming album ‘Man’s Best Friend’. The cover features Carpenter kneeling with her hand on a suited man’s thigh, while the man grabs her hair — imagery some have called over-sexualized and anti-feminist. In a June 18 interview with Rolling Stone, Simon said the controversy seems overblown, adding that past album covers have been more provocative, citing The Rolling Stones’ ‘Sticky Fingers’ as an example. She described Carpenter’s artwork as ‘tame’ and argued that the criticism reflects double standards. Simon added that ‘any press is good press’ and complimented Carpenter’s beauty and confidence. Fans have countered criticism by defending the cover as part of Carpenter’s sex-positive image and argued that labeling it anti-feminist is itself misogynistic. Meanwhile, Carpenter is enjoying commercial success: her single ‘Manchild’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her second chart-topper. Despite some controversy over past photoshoots — including a denied comparison to ‘Lolita’ — Carpenter remains a rising star in the pop world.