The TikTok Drama: Sombr vs. Meg
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The trouble started when a 25-year-old TikToker named Meg made a video to discuss how a recent concert she attended was “one of the worst experiences of my life.” In the video, which has been viewed over 6 million times at the time of this writing, Meg warned people over the age of 16 against seeing Sombr, an emerging pop star, perform live. She criticized his performance style, claiming it catered to a much younger demographic with “brainrot jokes” and antics she found unseemly. Meg didn’t hold back—she called Sombr “cringe,” a term that carries significant weight in pop culture, and even likened him to the unnaturally tall and thin internet legend, Slenderman.
The Concert Experience
Meg compared the vibe of the audience to that of a middle school dance, questioning whether Sombr’s onstage behavior was appropriate given some of his vulgar stage banter. While concert dispatches like this are not unusual, what happened next was certainly unexpected: Sombr responded directly.
In his own video, captioned “rant,” which has garnered over 8.8 million views, Sombr addressed the “TikTok drama” and accused Meg of starting a “massive body-shaming hate train” against him, seemingly referencing her Slenderman comparison. He acknowledged that he respects “people having opinions,” but implied that Meg probably shouldn’t have attended his concert in the first place.
“And 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, when I, the artist, am five years younger than you, it’s just a skill issue,” Sombr stated, punctuating his point with internet slang.
The Nature of Fame in 2025
The fact that one of the biggest emerging pop stars of the year responded to a single post from a fan-turned-critic is bizarre. It highlights the ever-evolving nature of fame in 2025 and the complex relationship that artists can have with their supporters. Sombr’s public response ignited backlash; artists, especially those on the brink of becoming household names, typically don’t break the fourth wall to single out fans.
While many pop stars have armies of supporters who defend them online, they often maintain an image of being above the fray. Sombr shattered that illusion when he engaged directly with criticism, leading some to view his actions as thin-skinned.
Who is Sombr?
It’s challenging for a male pop star to break out in today’s music landscape—Harry Styles is one of the few true singing and dancing pop phenoms. Yet Sombr, whose real name is Shane Michael Boose, has made significant strides. The 20-year-old first gained traction on TikTok and earlier this year landed a coveted performance spot at the MTV Video Music Awards. His introspective songs about relationships have begun to climb the alternative and pop charts.
In a sign of his rising momentum, Taylor Swift recently praised him as an “amazing” artist. Until the Meg debacle, his most recent TikTok featured a handwritten note from Swift, showcasing his youthful energy and the choppy cadence of a teenager raised by algorithms.
The Backlash
Sombr’s reaction to Meg’s critique sparked a wave of backlash. Brand strategist Ron Roecker, who previously served as vice president of communications for the Recording Academy, noted that Sombr “clapped back because he is a young kid who got humiliated in front of his besties and got his feelings hurt.”
This reaction may stem from Sombr’s upbringing in the digital age, where turning on a camera and speaking your mind is the norm. Early fans often reward this kind of authentic engagement, but it can also lead to missteps.
The Double-Edged Sword of Authenticity
As artists gain more clout, being candid can be risky, especially in an industry as volatile as music. While artists can deliver impressive performances, they must also navigate the unpredictable nature of social media and streaming algorithms. Roecker emphasizes that even the smallest interaction—whether with a fan or a random person—can swing public opinion against an artist.
“Sombr needs to define what his personal brand is and what kind of artist he wants to be,” Roecker advises. “Once he figures that out and hopefully hires a strategic team he trusts, the rest usually works itself out.”
Lessons from the Online World
Sombr isn’t the first artist to wade into treacherous waters with fans. Chappell Roan, who had an active social media presence before reaching pop star status in 2024, faced criticism when she admonished fans for “abuse, harassment, [and] stalking.” Following similar controversies, Roan became more guarded, using her social media primarily to promote new music.
Sombr could follow a similar path. Music labels have a lot riding on these artists, and public perception can significantly impact their success. He has the potential to become an outspoken and authentic Gen Z hero or risk being labeled as combative and inexperienced in handling fame.
The Future of Sombr
As Sombr navigates this complex landscape, he faces a critical juncture. Will he be known as the artist who fights with his fans, or will he learn to manage criticism more effectively? The choices he makes now could define his career trajectory in an industry that thrives on both authenticity and strategic branding.
