Sabrina Carpenter apologizes for ululation incident

• Sabrina Carpenter faced online criticism after reacting sarcastically to a fan performing a "Zaghrouta," during her festival set.
• The singer apologized on social media, clarifying that her reaction stemmed from confusion and an inability to hear clearly, rather than any ill intent.

Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter has issued a public apology following her on-stage reaction to an audience member's traditional Arabic cheer during her recent Coachella performance.

The singer clarified that her response was the result of confusion rather than malice.

Backlash over on-stage reaction

During her set at the major music festival, an attendee performed a "Zaghrouta," a traditional high-pitched vocal ululation commonly used to express joy and celebration in Arab and African cultures. 

Carpenter, seemingly unable to hear the cheer clearly in the loud venue, reacted with what she later described as sarcasm, having initially confused the vocalization with yodeling.

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, prompting backlash from some users who found the reaction disrespectful. 

On X, an account operating under the name "poppy" accused the singer of being "insensitive and islamophobic" for expressing dislike toward a cultural cheer, stating they were "very disappointed in her."

Read more: Backlash after Sabrina Carpenter mocks fan’s ululation at Coachella

Carpenter issues clarification and apology

In a direct reply to the criticism on X, Carpenter moved to de-escalate the situation and explain her perspective. She claimed that the festival environment impaired her ability to see and hear the interaction properly.

"My apologies, I didn’t see this person with my eyes and couldn’t hear clearly," Carpenter wrote in her response. "My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm and not ill intended. Could have handled it better!"

The singer concluded her statement by acknowledging her newfound understanding of the cultural practice, ensuring fans that there are no hard feelings moving forward. "Now I know what a Zaghrouta is!" she added. "I welcome all cheers and yodels from here on out."

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 https://t.co/f3KuT8sggH

— Sabrina Carpenter (@SabrinaAnnLynn) April 11, 2026