Why Chappell Roan Might Walk Away from Fame: A Pop Star's Plea

September is bustling for fashion journalists as Fashion Week takes over cities from New York to Paris. Amid this whirlwind, Chappell Roan’s concert stands out as a must-see event. In just eight months, the Missouri-born 26-year-old has skyrocketed to fame, becoming one of pop's hottest new stars.

However, her rapid rise comes with challenges. As she wraps up a sold-out UK tour, Roan has faced unsettling experiences with superfans. Recently, she shared her discomfort on TikTok, where two of her videos have garnered over 30 million views. In these clips, she called out what she termed "creepy behavior" from fans and emphasized the importance of respecting her boundaries. On Instagram, she expressed, "women don't owe" anything, following an incident where a fan kissed her without consent in a bar. Additionally, the police had to step in when a persistent autograph seeker wouldn’t accept her refusal.

In a recent interview with The Face magazine, Roan stated she might consider leaving the music industry if the harassment doesn't improve, describing fame as having the "vibe of an abusive ex-husband."

Roan, who performs under her drag alter ego, has worked hard to keep her identities distinct. Despite her larger-than-life persona, authenticity remains a key part of her appeal. However, the expectations from fans can be overwhelming. "It's such an interesting world we live in where everyone wants to see who you really are on social media. But there's this delusion that they know you," she told Glamour magazine last year. During meet-and-greets, LGBT fans often share their personal struggles with her, which she appreciates but also finds burdensome. "My music has helped a lot of people through that trauma, and I love that. But personally, as Kayleigh, I can’t handle that responsibility."

Her efforts to set boundaries have led to mixed reactions. While some support her push for healthier fan relationships, others criticize her for seeming ungrateful for her fame. Perez Hilton and Chris Booker discussed her situation on their podcast, recognizing the need for respectful fan interactions but cautioning that her critiques of fame could come off as discontented.

Many fans, however, stand by Roan. Lily Waite, a 29-year-old trans woman, described Roan's honesty as groundbreaking and empowering. She acknowledges that the majority of fans are kind and respectful, but understands that Roan is addressing a different audience in her videos.

Rebecca Clark, 35, who identifies as queer, believes Roan's background in the drag scene has made her more vulnerable in the public eye. Clark supports Roan's efforts to challenge the superficial support that often accompanies celebrity culture, emphasizing the importance of boundaries in fan relationships.

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