Content creator Jen Barangan has issued an apology after facing backlash for using her phone’s camera flash during Olivia Rodrigo’s concert in the Philippines on October 7.
The incident, which she shared on TikTok, quickly went viral, amassing 3.6 million views and sparking criticism from netizens who accused her of disregarding “concert etiquette.”
Barangan filmed herself with her phone’s flash on during Rodrigo’s performance at the Philippine Arena, which drew complaints from other concertgoers who felt distracted by the bright light. Many pointed out that flash photography was prohibited during the event, adding that such behavior diminishes the concert experience for others.
Papansin nga no? Tapos parang pilit yung pagiging concert goer nya. Parang inaaral nya mga kanta para may content sya. May something talaga this girl. I like her before fan girling at Roque. Jen Barangan – pass sayo HAHAHAHHA
— babarda sa ngalan ng BINI (@babardaforbini) October 7, 2024
I mean I understand the excitement kasi concert nga naman but mukha siyang baliw dito like for WHAT timang ampota https://t.co/ZmBTjiSx1h
— Elmo (@elmoswooorld) October 7, 2024
So fucking annoying, inconvenient and rude.
Normalize calling out people who do this so they know it’s rude to be disruptive to other fans who also paid for tickets.
Leave your main character syndrome and unnecessary performative fanaticism at home, for your lousy content. https://t.co/utBsd9WTeY
— Santi Obcena (@santiobcena) October 7, 2024
In response to the criticism, Barangan took to Instagram to apologize, saying, “To everyone, I’m so sorry for my actions.” She kept her statement brief and did not offer further explanations for the incident.
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Rodrigo performed in front of a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 fans, marking her first-ever concert in the Philippines as part of her GUTS World Tour. The concert was a highly anticipated event, with fans excited to see the global pop star perform live. Rodrigo arrived in Manila on October 3, ahead of her concert.
For those who missed the live performance, a GUTS World Tour concert film will be available on Netflix starting October 29.