At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, rising star Chappell Roan made headlines not just for her debut performance but also for standing up for herself in the face of disrespect. The singer-songwriter, who arrived at the event in a striking medieval-inspired outfit, found herself in a tense moment on the red carpet when a photographer appeared to use inappropriate language towards her.
In a video clip shared by Entertainment Tonight, the incident captured Roan turning away from the camera only to be met with a rude remark from the photographer. Without hesitation, Roan fired back, asserting her boundaries and demanding respect. Her response, 'You shut the f*** up! Don't! Not me, bitch!' garnered support from onlookers, with someone in the background cheering her on with a 'Tell 'em, girl!'
Reflecting on the encounter in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Roan expressed feeling overwhelmed and scared by the situation. She highlighted the challenges of navigating public events like red carpets, especially for individuals dealing with anxiety and the pressure of being in the spotlight.
This incident comes on the heels of Roan recently addressing concerning behavior from individuals claiming to be her fans on social media. In a candid Instagram post, the pop star emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and standing up against harassment. Roan made it clear that she chose a career in music out of love for the art form and her desire to honor her creativity, not as an invitation for mistreatment.
In her statement, Roan underscored the need for mutual respect and understanding, stating, 'Women don’t owe you sh*t.' She called out any attempts to label her as ungrateful or dismiss her concerns, urging individuals to reflect on their reactions and question why a woman asserting her boundaries is met with hostility.
Chappell Roan's bold response at the MTV VMAs serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy and setting boundaries in the face of disrespect, resonating with many who have faced similar challenges in the entertainment industry.