Overview

• In a new Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe, Carpenter said older audiences are scolding her work and called their reactions hypocritical, asking, “I’m not allowed to have sex, but you are?”
• She described the cover’s intent as cheeky and playful and said the shoot used multiple men because the “hair-play” look kept reading as a pull.
• Carpenter said she showed the image to friends and family before release and recalled no strong reactions from her inner circle.
• The original artwork drew heavy online criticism, with commenters calling the image dehumanizing and tone deaf.
• After unveiling the cover in June, she later offered an alternate version she called “approved by God,” while the album released on Aug. 29 continues to fuel discussion.