Chappell Roan’s debut record, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, was released in 2023, but it did not gain more mainstream popularity till mid-2024. She became popular for hits like Good Luck, Babe, Pink Pony Club, and more. Her “thrift-store popstar,” DIY, drag-inspired look stands out from other popstars of the current era. But the wave of popularity was colored with push-back from Chappell herself, as she expressed her dislike for paparazzi and being approached in public. Recently, she has been under scrutiny for comments about motherhood, politics, and her general “attitude.” But everyone seems to have a different view…some see the criticism as unfair and misogynistic, some have issues with the ideologies she has spoken of, and some claim she is just “too annoying,” or that she needs to stop talking.
Chappell Roan’s most recent controversy has concerned comments she made on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she expressed her reasons why she does not want children. Though she may have been speaking about a personal opinion, the way she worded this opinion was not received well. “All my friends who have kids are in hell,” she said. “I actually don’t know anyone who’s, like, happy and has children at this age.”
Senior Helen Hernandez, a big fan of Chappell Roan, shared her opinion about this statement. “I think it’s valid for people to be upset with her,” said Hernandez. “But she was also talking about the people she’s surrounded by so it shouldn’t be generalized as her talking about all mothers either.”
Another one of Chappell’s controversies has included her strange comments concerning politics. She expressed her opinion that she shouldn’t be expected to comment on politics because of her busy schedule. In a particularly unsavory moment, she said: “I wish the president was a popstar.” While celebrities are not commonly regarded as trustworthy political commentators, it does seem that Chappell’s audience expects some form of political correctness. This is especially true considering that she directly profits from marginalized groups, by taking a lot of her aesthetic from drag.
Chappell has famously raised issues with fans having a parasocial relationship with her, or even approaching her when she’s in public. She had an approach to the topic that some people saw as aggressive. “I do not accept harassment of any kind because I chose this path, nor do I deserve it.” She also pointed out the gendered aspect of her request to not be approached in public: “Women do not owe you a reason why they don’t want to be touched or talked to.”
Hernandez mostly agrees with Chappell. “I can understand where she’s coming from, but she also has to understand the sacrifices that come with the job. But those sacrifices don’t include stalking, doxxing, or harassment.”
The ultimate questions seem to be more complex. How much respect and privacy do the rich entertainers on our screen deserve? Should the opinions of a popstar on motherhood, politics, or any other social issue hold much weight? In any case, the fall of Chappell Roan will not come at a time when she is still such a hot topic. For now, she is here to stay.
