Sabrina Carpenter explains the real meaning behind controversial album cover

The cover art sparked a lot of backlash

After months of speculation and evasive explanations, the Espresso singer finally addressed the controversy surrounding her latest album cover in a new cover story for Variety’s Hitmakers issue.

For those who aren’t familiar, the cover shows Sabrina on her hands and knees while an anonymous man grabs a handful of her hair.

"It was about how people try to control women, and how I felt emotionally yanked around by these relationships that I had, and how much power you’re allowing yourself to give them," Carpenter, 26, told the outlet.

Sabrina released her cover art in June and was met with immediate backlash, with many critics calling it degrading to women.

While acknowledging some valid points from her fans, the singer made it clear that it was never her intention to make anyone feel that way.

"It meant one thing to me and 100 things to other people, and I was looking at it going, 'That’s valid. Mine’s valid. What’s for dinner?'" Carpenter said.

She added, "Not to bypass the weight that it did carry for some people. I saw it and was like, 'That is a great point. It wasn’t the point I was trying to make.'"

Later in the interview, the singer reflected on her younger self, remembering how she looked up to women who sang openly about sex.

"I always thought, 'When I grow up, then I get to embrace my sexuality more. I don’t even know what that means yet!'" she said.

"People think, 'Oh, she’ll say and do anything.' No. I really do have boundaries with myself — you’d be surprised!" she continued. "I’m just actually living my life, and you’re watching. If you don’t like it, it’s not for you. If you do like it, let’s play."