The Fan Responds
Adela Calin, the fan at the center of the controversy, has since spoken out, sharing the photo she and her group took before Lambert’s reprimand. “It was 30 seconds at most,” Calin explained, adding they had already planned to sit back down.
Calin described the experience as “appalling” and likened it to being scolded by a teacher. “We were just grown women in our 30s to 60s trying to take a picture,” she said. “It felt humiliating.”
More Controversy Follows
Adding fuel to the fire, during a subsequent performance, Lambert stopped again to comment on a fan’s T-shirt that read, “Shoot tequila, not selfies.” Lambert pointed out the shirt with approval, joking, “She did it, I didn’t!” While the crowd laughed, many critics felt the comment was unnecessary and dismissive of the backlash.
Divided Reactions
While some concertgoers supported Lambert, praising her for encouraging fans to stay present in the moment, others expressed disappointment.
“Going to a concert is about creating an experience and a memory. If someone wants to take a picture to document that memory, they should be able to,” one Twitter user said.
Others suggested Lambert could have handled the situation more graciously. “She could’ve poked fun and posed in the selfie, then encouraged them to enjoy the moment after that. Not cool,” another user commented.
A Teachable Moment?
Lambert’s actions have sparked a broader discussion about fan behavior at live events. While many artists encourage audiences to stay present, critics argue that fans deserve the freedom to create memories in their own way—whether that includes taking selfies or simply soaking in the music.
The question remains: should artists set strict boundaries at their shows, or is it the fans’ choice to enjoy the experience as they see fit? Regardless, this incident has put Lambert in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, leaving fans and critics divided.