In response to recent criticisms, singer Sombr has addressed concerns regarding his performance style and interaction with a young audience. The 20-year-old artist faced backlash after an October 13 concert in Washington, D.C., where a TikTok review labeled his show as “cringe” and raised serious questions about appropriateness for his predominantly youthful fans.
Criticism from TikTok
A 25-year-old TikToker, who gained over 5.4 million views on her critical video, described Sombr’s concert atmosphere as akin to a “middle-school dance.” She advised anyone over the age of 16 against attending his shows, citing inappropriate jokes and segments designed for younger fans.
Key Points from the Review
- The TikToker highlighted Sombr’s use of juvenile humor.
- She criticized the dating-show segment where he invites fans to call their exes.
- Instances of inappropriate comments during the performance were also detailed.
- Comparisons to Slenderman and questioning his status as a “sex symbol” were made.
The TikTok criticism culminated in a heated discussion about body shaming, with Sombr asserting that the viral video sparked a wave of negative comments directed at him online.
Sombr’s Response
In a response video, Sombr defended himself while acknowledging the criticisms. He pointed out that as a young artist surrounded by fans of similar ages, he believes different expectations should apply. Sombr stated, “I totally respect people having opinions, but when someone older comes to my concert, it’s a skill issue if they expect something else.”
Reactions from the Opening Act
Sombr’s opening act, Devon Gabriella, also chimed in on the controversy. After initially expressing her support for Sombr, she called for unity among women and addressed the vitriol aimed at the TikTok creator. Gabriella later deleted a tweet aimed at expressing her thoughts to mitigate misunderstandings regarding online threats.
Ongoing Tour and Upcoming Events
Despite the criticisms, Sombr continues his tour and is set to make his Saturday Night Live debut soon. The artist remains focused on his performances while navigating the complexities of audience expectations and social media commentary.
As discussions about artist conduct and audience demographics evolve, Sombr’s situation highlights the ongoing dialogue about appropriateness in performances aimed at younger audiences.
