Soon after receiving backlash for her political views in the upcoming election, Chappell Roan canceled two appearances just a day before the “All Things Go” festival in New York and Washington. “I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health. I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible,” Roan said.
In an interview with The Guardian, her statements regarding the upcoming 2024 election quickly put many in a state of confusion. To be specific, people truly gripped onto just part of her quote, “There’s problems on both sides,” in regards to her not endorsing either candidate.
Shortly after the article was released, Roan was bombarded by criticism in her comment sections. In hopes of clarifying the situation more, she responded on social media and was careful to include the entire viral quote so it could be heard in the entirety of its context.
Roan went more in-depth on TikTok, frustrated after she continued to receive backlash. She explained that she cannot revolve her entire name or project around a candidate because she believes that each side has policies she disagrees with. Roan made it clear she will be voting for Kamala Harris, which is different from endorsing her.
People began to flood back to her side, agreeing that everyone, especially politicians, should be held accountable and that voting for someone does not automatically mean you are settling for everything they say; you can still seek for and demand action.
This was not the first time the pop star has held politicians accountable. Back in June, she explained that she was invited to perform at the White House for Pride Month but ultimately rejected the opportunity. “We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, that is when I will come,” Roan said while dressed as Lady Liberty on stage at the Governors Ball Music Festival.
Roan’s political views are only a fraction of the backlash she has been facing. Just before this controversy, she also received backlash for calling out fans on their parasocial behavior toward her. Fans were also in an uproar when Roan canceled shows in Paris and Amsterdam to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards. Fans complained that the issue was about more than just the tickets, but also the short notice that could not account for the travel they might have done for the show.
On the other hand, many celebrities have applauded Roan for setting and displaying clear boundaries with her fans and even seemingly with the press and photographers at the VMAs. Despite fans arguing that if “she wanted peace and privacy she should not have become famous,” Roan works hard to call out any behavior she does not tolerate. “Fans think I’m complaining about my success. I’m complaining about being abused,” Roan said.
The festival worked quickly to replace Roan with the indie pop band MUNA, who took over her scheduled appearances and performed a rendition of her hit song “Good Luck, Babe!” in support of her mental health. Since then, Roan has been continuing “The Midwest Princess” tour as scheduled.
