TikTok content creator and former flight attendant Jen Barangan has issued a public apology after receiving backlash for her behavior during Olivia Rodrigo’s concert in the Philippines. The incident occurred when Jen was called out by concertgoers and netizens for filming herself with her phone’s camera flash on, in violation of the event’s rules prohibiting flash photography.
Taking to social media, Jen addressed the issue with a brief but direct apology. “To everyone, I’m so sorry for my actions,” she wrote in an Instagram post. The same statement was also shared on her Facebook and TikTok accounts. Despite her apology, the video of her at the concert, which was posted on TikTok, has garnered significant attention, amassing 3.6 million views and fueling widespread criticism.
Many fans expressed their frustration, particularly since Olivia Rodrigo’s concert organizers had emphasized rules for attendees, which included a strict policy against the use of flash photography. Netizens pointed out that Jen’s disregard for this rule not only affected the concert experience for others but also undermined the efforts made by Rodrigo’s team to create a specific atmosphere during the performance.
The concert, held at the Mall of Asia Arena, marked Olivia Rodrigo’s first live performance in the Philippines and attracted over 50,000 Filipino fans, affectionately called “Livies.” The sold-out event had been one of the most highly anticipated musical events of the year, with fans eager to see the global pop sensation behind hits like “drivers license” and “good 4 u.”
However, Jen Barangan’s actions quickly became a trending topic on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users continued to criticize her for the perceived disruption. Some fans were upset that Jen, as a well-known content creator, should have been more mindful of her actions in a large public event.
natatawa talaga ko pag bunot si jen barangan, im just like, sha ulit? hahahaha https://t.co/6x23Eb5PUk
— queen dura stan acc (@greattrench) October 8, 2024
Jen has not responded further to the ongoing criticism, but her name continues to trend on social media, with many calling for accountability from influencers who attend public events. Despite the controversy, the concert was a massive success for Olivia Rodrigo, whose Filipino fans showed their overwhelming support throughout the night.