The New York Times

Sabrina Carpenter Sparks Controversy After Mocking Arabic Celebration at Coachella

culture
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter has apologized after mistakenly mocking a traditional Arabic celebratory cry during her Coachella performance. Video from the festival shows Carpenter reacting to the audience sound. "I don’t like it," she said from the stage, apparently believing it was a form of yodeling. The sound was actually a "zaghrouta," a high-pitched ululation used to express joy in many Middle Eastern and North African cultures. Following online criticism, the singer issued an apology on social media. She stated she was unaware of the sound's cultural significance and expressed regret for her comment. Carpenter's team has not announced any further statement. The incident highlights the increased scrutiny artists face regarding cultural sensitivity at global events.