Overview
- Speaking to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe after the Aug. 29 release, Carpenter said critics are “so judgmental” and argued the objections largely come from older listeners.
- She said the cover concept was a man “playing with” her hair and described the intended tone as cheeky and playful rather than demeaning.
- Carpenter explained that several men were used during the shoot because they kept pulling her hair, which produced a harsher look than she wanted.
- She said she showed the image to friends and family before release and that her inner circle did not react strongly.
- Following the initial June outcry, she also issued a black‑and‑white alternate cover as she continued promoting an album with sexually frank themes that have previously drawn complaints.