Singer Usher expresses remorse to Sabrina Carpenter's father following controversial Met Gala behavior.
Rewritten Article:
Usher's latest performance antics at the 2025 Met Gala have landed him in an unusual situation - a father's disapproval.
Fans couldn't help but notice the heart-fluttering moment when Usher playfully fed a cherry to Sabrina Carpenter during his performance. But one person who wasn't as charmed was her father, David Carpenter, who texted Sabrina with a straightforward reaction: "Hmm, strange."
Sabrina shared the screenshot of their exchange in her photo album, causing Usher to jump in the comments section with a playful apology: "My deepest regrets, Mr. Carpenter..."
Turns out, cherry-feeding is Usher's signature move. The act, which originated during his Las Vegas residency from 2022 to 2023, has become a staple in his performances, accompanying him to various stages - including this year's Met Gala, where he shared the spotlight with none other than Stevie Wonder.
"It all began with strawberries in Vegas," Usher once mentioned on The Jennifer Hudson Show. "So, you know, I just thought we'd try every fruit until we figured out which one worked best. But cherries were something I found particularly fun and active. It was a bit provocative."
If you're wondering why this seemingly innocent act has raised eyebrows, Usher's cherry-feeding tradition involves him selecting a female audience participant and playfully dangling a cherry by its stem over her open mouth, creating an engaging and sensual moment. Usher has described the gesture as part of his R&B persona, aiming to entertain the crowd with a moment that is both erotic and engaging[1][2][3].
At the Met Gala, Sabrina Carpenter became a fitting participant for this tradition, and a photo of the moment quickly went viral. While some found it playful, others, like David Carpenter, may have seen it as an unusual public display of affection during a formal event like the Met Gala. The Internet responded with empathy and humor, noting it as a classic "dad" reaction to an unexpectedly risqué moment involving his child[1][2].
[1] Usher’s cherry-feeding tradition dates back to his Las Vegas residency from 2022 to 2023. Originally, this ritual started with strawberries but evolved to maraschino cherries because Usher found them "more fun and active." The act involves Usher picking a female participant from the audience and playfully dangling a cherry by its stem over her open mouth, creating a sensual and interactive moment. Usher has described the gesture as part of his R&B persona, aiming to engage and entertain the crowd with a moment that is simultaneously "erotic" and about making people feel something fun and connected during his shows.
[2] At the 2025 Met Gala, Usher continued this provocative tradition by feeding a cherry to Sabrina Carpenter. Carpenter, known for her own seductive performances, was an apt participant, and a photo capturing the moment quickly circulated. Carpenter shared the photo on Instagram alongside a screenshot of a text exchange with her father, David Carpenter. His reaction to the image was simply "Hmm, strange," which amused fans and became a viral moment online.
[3] David Carpenter’s reaction likely stems from a typical parental perspective finding the overt sensuality of the cherry-feeding act unusual or uncomfortable to see his daughter involved in, especially given the public and suggestive nature of the gesture during a formal event like the Met Gala. The Internet responded to his candid reaction with empathy and humor, noting it as a classic "dad" response to a risqué moment involving his child.
- Usher's father-daughter drama escalated at the 2025 Met Gala, as Sabrina Carpenter's father, David, expressed his displeasure over Usher's playful cherry-feeding antics during his performance.
- In a playful apology, Usher acknowledged David Carpenter's concern on Sabrina's Instagram, recounting their signature cherry-feeding tradition which originated during his Las Vegas residency in 2022.
- Cherry-feeding, Usher's trademark move, has become a staple in his performances, attracting attention from the world of entertainment and pop-culture, often involving celebrities as participants.
- Sabrina Carpenter became a fitting participant in Usher's cherry-feeding tradition at the 2025 Met Gala, ushering in an unexpected wave of public scrutiny and discussion on the act's appropriateness.
- As a response to her father's disapproval, Internet users rallying behind Sabrina provided empathy, humor, and a sense of solidarity towards the unusual situation, labeling it as a classic example of a "dad" reaction in the world of entertainment and pop-culture.
- In the increasingly integrated realm of pop-culture and entertainment, the controversy over Usher's cherry-feeding tradition serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between provocative entertainment and maintaining respectful boundaries in the presence of celebrities and their families.
