Overview

• Carpenter responded to a viral TikTok aligning her W Magazine photoshoot with Lolita by declaring she’s never seen the film and never drew inspiration from it
• Glasgow Women’s Aid criticized the ‘Man’s Best Friend’ cover as regressive and pandering to the male gaze, prompting Carpenter to assert on social media that she has a personality beyond sex
• Online reactions remain divided, with defenders arguing creative similarities can be coincidental and detractors accusing her of perpetuating tired stereotypes
• Her lead single “Manchild” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, underscoring sustained fan support despite her provocative imagery
• Commentators link the controversy to Gen-Z’s early exposure to pornography and the broader cultural debate over sexual representation in pop music