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In this column, Regan discusses celebrity drama and controversies.
Things are looking somber for sombr
Things are looking somber for sombr
By Regan Snyder
By Regan Snyder
On social media, public opinions can change in the blink of an eye. In mere days, a public figure can go from beloved to despised. Recently, a newly popular artist by the name of Sombr has quickly found himself at the center of an online hate train following a TikTok criticizing his concerts.
Sombr, real name Shane Boose, is an Indie rock musician who gained popularity through TikTok in 2022 with his original song, “Caroline.” According to Grammy Awards, this virality got him a record deal with Warner Records in 2023. His first mainstream successes were his songs “back to being friends” and “undressed”, which were both released in 2024 and easily made their way into the Billboard Top 100. Like any thriving artist, Boose leaned into making a brand for himself. Despite the often serious tone of his music, Boose based his persona around Gen Alpha “brainrot” humor, which largely appealed to a younger audience. Both at concerts and on his TikTok account, the artist constantly references jokes only recognizable by young, chronically online fans. While this marketing choice undoubtedly helped him connect to his target audience, for some fans, his behavior proved to be alienating and cringe inducing.
In Oct. 2025, a TikToker named Megan Tomastic (@meganator__ on TikTok) made a TikTok sharing her experience at a Sombr concert. In her own words, the concert was “one of the worst experiences” of her life. She said that the venue was teeming with tweens and that the whole event felt like a middle school dance. According to her, Boose continuously made immature jokes, including a 6-7 joke, which was reportedly a hit with the Gen Alpha audience. Even more concerning, were the musician’s riskier comments. According to Megan, at one point during the concert, Boose asked his audience to bark for him, then referred to himself as “daddy.” This, along with various other sexual innuendos, made Megan uncomfortable enough to leave the concert early and create a TikTok sharing her thoughts.
Later in October, Boose responded to Megan with a TikTok of his own. In this TikTok, Boose brought up that his humor should not have come off as a surprise, given his online persona. He added that “Also, I make jokes for five minutes of the concert and the rest is music. Live a little.” He then went on to state that people of all ages are welcome at his concert, and that he does not take issue with the amount of young people coming to see him perform. He finished off his TikTok by instructing Megan to “touch grass” and to “find someone problematic to hate on.”
A flurry of opinions followed this controversial TikTok. Many Sombr fans rushed to defend him, claiming that Megan was out of his age demographic and not in a position to criticize his performances. Others argued that Boose, at 20 years old, is a grown adult with the right to portray his art in any way he likes. Many critics of Boose agreed with this sentiment. However, they felt that it was his responsibility to not interact with underage fans in an inappropriate way. Throughout his career, Boose has consistently presented himself in a way that is appealing to tweens, and has even acknowledged that he knows that they make up a significant amount of his fanbase. To know this and then proceed to interact with them in an age inappropriate manner is certainly not a detail that has gone unnoticed.
Image of person using phone, credits to The New York Times
This argument has turned into a broader conversation about whose responsibility it is to monitor the media consumption of children and young teenagers. Some argue that artists should take the initiative to either make their concerts family friendly or to make an 18+ restriction on entry. Others argue that it is the parents' job to choose what is appropriate for their kids to watch and listen to. Recently, more censorship has been pushed in online spaces, siding with the idea that children should be monitored by forces other than parents. More age verifications have been required, and content has been blocked accordingly. Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University who has taken it upon himself to examine this issue, has described the situation in an interview with NBC News, stating “Everyone’s pointing the finger at each other”. Whether or not this mentality will pervade the music world is unclear at this point, but it is certainly a possibility moving forward.
In today's online climate, it is nearly impossible to pursue a public career while steering clear of controversy. Luckily for Sombr, his scandal is not nearly as severe as those of his colleagues. Although there will likely be some people who have been permanently put off of him and his music, his career is not likely to end, especially if he decides to take accountability and puts effort into amending his behavior.
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