Doja Cat Debuts ‘Vie’ Cover, Dismisses ‘Harsh Criticism’ of Artwork: ‘You Can’t Make Me Feel Bad’

Doja Cat has responded to backlash over the newly revealed cover for her forthcoming album Vie, reaffirming the personal symbolism behind the image.

The singer first posted the artwork to Instagram on Monday, Sept. 22, showing herself in a distressed wedding gown, suspended from a yellow parachute snagged in a tree. In her caption she described the parachute as a symbol of curiosity, joy and adventure — and the tree as a signifier of life and wisdom that offers shelter while teaching painful but healing lessons.

She elaborated that the image represents taking leaps of faith and embracing new experiences: the roots keep you grounded, the branches lend safety, and the scars from the fall remind you that healing is possible without hitting the ground.

When the artwork sparked some harsh responses online, Doja took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend her artistic choice and its emotional intent.

“You can’t make me feel bad for a cover that has visceral meaning. The greatest armor is love and integrity. I forgive your harsh criticism but for me I won yet again for following my heart. If I was you I wouldn’t.”

Doja has long been outspoken in defense of her creative decisions. She recently reiterated her confidence as a leading voice in contemporary pop and rap and has pushed back when others have questioned her abilities.

Musically, Vie is said to lean more into pop territory, recalling some of the breezier sounds that helped make her earlier singles, like “Say So,” crossover hits. In conversation with CBS Sunday Morning, she noted that the new album feels like a return to that aesthetic and a renewed appreciation for her earlier work.

Below are Doja’s Instagram post unveiling the cover and her statement on X.

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You can’t make me feel bad for a cover that has visceral meaning. The greatest armor is love and integrity. I forgive your harsh criticism but for me I won yet again for following my heart. If I was you I wouldn’t.

— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) September 23, 2025

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