Sombr speaks out after viral TikTok criticises his concert as ‘cringe’: "Live a little"

The 20-year old said the remarks sparked “a massive body shaming hate train” and that most of his shows focus on music

Sombr has addressed online criticism following a viral TikTok in which a concertgoer described his Washington, DC show as “cringe.”

The 25-year-old attendee posted a nine-minute video claiming the performance at Anthem on October 13 was disappointing and aimed at a much younger audience.

In her video, she advised viewers “not to spend your money on a Sombr concert,” saying the crowd was “mostly tweens” and criticising his “brain-rot jokes.” She also referenced a segment called the “Sombr Dating Show,” where fans were invited onstage to call their exes, and accused the artist of using “super vulgar” language during the event.

She described the show as “a nightmare,” although she acknowledged that many in the audience seemed to enjoy it, with one fan even comparing Sombr to “my generation’s David Bowie.”

Sombr responds to viral video of woman who called his concert “one of the worst experiences” of her life. pic.twitter.com/DjCoepeZko

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 20, 2025

Responding to the controversy, Sombr said the comments had led to “a massive body shaming hate train” directed at him online. “I totally respect people having opinions, but I am a 20-year-old artist, freshly 20,” he explained. “If you’re 25 years old and you’re going to come to my concert and not expect people younger than you to be there, it’s just a skill issue.”

Addressing his humour, Sombr added, “People who come to my shows know my online presence. I’ve never uttered a serious word in my life.” He also clarified that jokes make up only a small part of his performance, saying most of his shows are focused on music.

“Live a little, enjoy life,” Sombr concluded. “Every age, sex, sexuality, gender, race: everyone is welcome in my concert.”

His debut album I Barely Know Her was released in August, featuring singles Back to Friends and 12 to 12, with his ongoing tour selling out venues nationwide.