‘Keep People On Them Toes’: Chappell Roan Reflects On Viral VMAs Paparazzi Moment, And What She’s Learned From Speaking Up For Herself

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In 2024, Chappell Roan left an indelible mark on the world. Beyond her chart-topping hits, distinctive fashion inspired by drag queens, and amassing six Grammy nominations for the 2025 ceremony, she’s also built a strong reputation. Last year, Chappell demonstrated more than once that she isn’t afraid to assert herself or call out others, and she makes no apologies for it.

The well-known LGBTQ+ pop singer, who has left a significant mark on the music industry, stood firm against public harassment following her rise to fame. During the VMAs red carpet event, she wore a medieval gown and made headlines when she boldly addressed a paparazzi photographer for his intrusive behavior towards her. Four months later, here’s what Chappell had to say about that viral incident:

In my mind, I found myself standing on the red carpet at the VMAs, losing my cool and yelling at a photographer to quiet down – a far cry from what everyone expected, making me wonder, “Is this truly what’s acceptable all the time? Am I supposed to be normal in this chaos? This isn’t normal, it’s insane.” Oh dear, I can’t help but feel sorry for the girls who have been conditioned to believe that this is the norm and that it’s acceptable.

In Hollywood, it’s routine for many well-known figures to be directed by photographers on their stance or expression. However, Chappell Roan refused to comply with such behavior as seen in this viral YouTube video. The internet admired her authenticity, with one commentator expressing, “she was so genuine in the moment,” and another praising her for “asserting boundaries and defending herself.” As the situation unfolded further:

Despite whether my actions were appropriate or inappropriate in that specific situation, I’ve consistently responded in this manner throughout my life, which often felt disrespectful. However, now there are cameras capturing my every move, and given that I am a pop star, these aspects seem incongruous. It’s like oil and water; they just don’t mix. It’s challenging to reconcile this image of girl power when you’re a pop star because suddenly, people expect professionalism from you all the time.

Shortly after stepping onto the red carpet, Chappell Roan shared with ET that she found it both overwhelming and frightening. She went on to say that for someone like her who experiences significant anxiety when people shout at her, the experience was particularly daunting. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1, Chappell Roan expressed that this situation might not be typical for many in the industry, but it didn’t make it any less authentic for her to assert herself and express what she finds comfortable from her personal point of view.

During the interview, they brought up yet another instance that went viral: her performance at Outsidelands where she encouraged the VIP section to join in the “HOT TO GO!” dance alongside the crowd. You can watch it here:

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Likewise, Chappell Roan expressed her wish for the audience to join her “in spirit” during her performance at the music festival, even if they weren’t there solely for her. Additionally, amid this year’s events, the pop star revealed that she has grown more understanding towards those who may not comprehend her feelings regarding fame, as she also mentioned:

Publicly criticize or correct others, just as a drag queen’s job is to entertain and challenge audiences, rather than soothe them with compliments. A drag queen’s performance should be lively and provocative, leaving spectators feeling flustered or exhilarated, much like the experience I aim to create at my show.

If you’ve attended a drag performance or watched a film that highlights drag artists, you might recognize that Chappell Roan embodies the role of a drag queen perfectly, given she goes by a drag name. When this singer was praised as “brave” for her actions this year, she responded by stating that defying conventions is less about being daring and more about “survival.” She emphasizes prioritizing her mental health over achieving success in the charts.

Anticipation runs high as we eagerly look forward to witnessing Chappell’s potential collaboration with her fellow nominees, particularly following their creative partnership on the Christmas special with Sabrina Carpenter. We are equally excited to discover what the future holds for her career in 2025.

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2025-01-23 17:07