Sabrina Carpenter is apologizing for dismissing a traditional Arabic celebratory call as “weird” following backlash that her comments were insensitive and xenophobic.
The Coachella headliner quote-tweeted an X post from a social media user who said, “sabrina saying that she doesn’t like a cultural arabic cheer… this is so insensitive and islamophobic. i am very disappointed in her.”
In her response, the Grammy-winning “House Tour” singer wrote: “my apologies i didn’t see this person with my eyes and couldn’t hear clearly. my reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm and not ill intended. could have handled it better! now i know what a Zaghrouta is! I welcome all cheers and yodels from here on out”
The Zaghrouta, or Arabic cheer, is a type of ululation or lele that’s embedded into the wider culture of the SWANA region. A celebration of Middle Eastern joy, it last entered the wider pop cultural discussion during the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime show, when Shakira (who is of Lebanese descent) trilled during her performance.
In a now-viral clip, Carpenter overheard someone from the crowd trilling during her set for Weekend 1 and asked if the audience member was yodeling. “I don’t like it,” she commented. When the attendee yelled back that it was part of her culture, the musician replied: “That’s your culture, is yodeling?”
The fan then explained it was a call of celebration, to which Carpenter responded: “Is this Burning Man? What’s going on? This is weird.”
Eschewing her customary “arrests,” the actress-turned-artist opted for a cameo-filled performance last night featuring appearances from Sam Elliott, Susan Sarandon and Will Ferrell. Carpenter is headlining the Indio-held music fest alongside acts Justin Bieber and Karol G.
