Chappell Roan’s ascent in the pop music world has been a dramatic journey from obscurity to stardom. The singer began by performing cover songs on YouTube more than a decade ago under her birth name. After securing a record deal straight out of high school, Roan released her debut single, “Pink Pony Club,” in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Her debut album, which launched nearly a year ago, garnered positive reviews and cultivated a loyal fan base.
In recent months, Roan’s fame has skyrocketed. Appearances at NPR’s Tiny Desk concert and a high-profile set at Coachella significantly expanded her reach. Her tracks “Good Luck, Babe!” and “HOT TO GO!” have become viral sensations on TikTok, further elevating her profile. Her standout performance at Lollapalooza, where she drew an audience of up to 110,000, marked one of the most significant shows in the festival’s history.
However, the rapid rise to fame has also brought significant challenges for Roan. Recently, she took to TikTok to address the issue of intrusive fans who have followed her in public, harassed her family, and demanded personal interactions despite her clear reluctance. In one video, Roan expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t care that abuse and harassment, stalking, whatever, is a normal thing to do to people who are famous or a little famous. It’s weird how people think that you know a person because you see them online and you listen to the art they make … I’m allowed to say no to creepy behavior, okay?”
In a detailed Instagram post, Roan reiterated her stance, emphasizing her need for personal boundaries. She explained that she is “clocked out” when not performing and does not owe interactions to those who approach her during her personal time. While she values her music and appreciates respectful fans, she has made it clear that she will not tolerate harassment. “I feel more love than I ever have in my life,” she wrote, “I feel the most unsafe I have ever felt in my life.”
Psychologist Sally Theran of Wellesley College, who studies parasocial relationships, suggests that Roan’s appeal stems from her perceived authenticity. “She is very upfront about, ‘This is who I am, and I don’t conform in the same way that maybe past celebrities have, and I do what I want,’” Theran said. “I think that’s very appealing in an age where everything feels so incredibly manufactured.”
Roan’s candid online presence may lead some fans to mistakenly believe they have a personal connection with her. Theran noted that fans might assume that Roan’s online persona reflects her true self, leading to inappropriate behaviors. “There’s this disconnect, where people really, really think they get her and then probably that she wants to get them,” Theran said.
The blurred lines between fans and celebrities in the social media era have created new challenges. Roan’s situation highlights the complex expectations fans place on celebrities, often misunderstanding the difference between a public persona and private individual. The phenomenon of parasocial relationships—where fans feel a one-sided emotional connection—has become more prevalent with the rise of platforms like TikTok, which allow deeper and more direct interaction with artists.
Lucy Bennett, a lecturer at Cardiff University specializing in music fandom, notes that while most parasocial relationships are benign, social media can exacerbate feelings of entitlement among fans. The direct interaction enabled by platforms like TikTok can foster a sense of familiarity that might lead to inappropriate behavior, as seen in Roan’s case.
Doja Cat, another artist who gained fame through TikTok, has similarly experienced backlash from fans when setting personal boundaries. In July 2023, she lost a substantial number of followers after dismissing fan demands for expressions of affection. “I don’t though cuz I don’t even know y’all,” she responded to a request for a public show of love, resulting in a significant drop in her Instagram following.
Roan’s recent comments underscore the fragile nature of the relationship between celebrities and their audiences. As she continues to navigate the pressures of fame, her experience serves as a stark reminder of the limits of public access and the importance of respecting personal boundaries.
In closing her TikTok message, Roan offered a candid reflection on her relationship with her fans: “I’m a random btch. YOU’RE a random btch. Just think about that for a second, okay?” This statement highlights the ongoing struggle for many celebrities to balance their public personas with their need for personal space and security.
