Chappell Roan’s Latest Controversy Has Fans Wishing Her “Good Luck, Babe!”

From her recent social media posts to her "appearance" on "SNL," fans are wondering what is going on with Chappell Roan. Credit: Justin Huguchi via Flickr

The recent pop sensation and Midwest Princess herself, Chappell Roan, has been the center of a whirlwind of controversies since her rise to fame a little over a year ago — whether Roan is lashing out at overbearing fans or rude paparazzi, she always seems to be trending. 

Roan’s debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” was released in September 2023. The album was by no means an immediate hit, yet her popularity grew immensely through her opening for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” world tour in the spring of 2024. Since then, Roan has become one of the biggest pop stars in the U.S., with viral songs such as “Good Luck, Babe!” and “HOT TO GO!”

Since her rise to fame, Roan evidently values her private life, despite her outgoing stage presence. In August of this year, Roan took to social media, setting boundaries between herself and her fans due to the harassment she faced due to her fame. She stated in an Instagram post, “I chose this career path because I love music and art and honoring my inner child. I do not accept harassment of any kind because I chose this path, nor do I deserve it.” 

In her short time in the limelight, Roan has become increasingly known for her candidness with her fanbase, sometimes in a not-so-kind way. Since Roan is a pop star who stands up for herself, she has gained a reputation as being “aggressive,” when in reality, she is passionate about her career and wants to protect it and herself simultaneously.

Yet, even someone as guarded as Roan falls victim to controversy, especially during election season.

Roan’s latest controversy began after the September presidential debate, when pop star Taylor Swift posted her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Like most things Taylor Swift does, this action went viral. Fans and people who had never listened to Swift knew about her endorsement, thus causing a surplus of other celebrities, such as Stevie Nicks, Amy Schumer and Billie Eilish, among many more, to announce their presidential endorsements as well.

Chappell Roan was not one of these celebrities, sort of.

Towards the end of September, Roan stated to The Guardian that she would be casting her vote for Kamala Harris in November, yet she will not be endorsing her. Roan saying she will be voting for Harris is, by definition, endorsing her, as endorsement is openly supporting a candidate.

Her reasoning for “not endorsing” a political candidate is due to the fact she feels that “there’s problems on both sides.” This “both sides” quote went viral in possibly the worst way it could have. Many individuals took to social media saying that, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as someone who advocates for LGBTQ+ and transgender rights, she should be more conscious of her words, as the Democratic party intends to protect LGBTQ+ rights and actively promotes this in their campaigns.

Quickly following the viral backlash, a frustrated Roan took to TikTok to angrily defend her prior statement and current views. Roan clarified that her statement was not her being undecided nor supporting both political sides; rather, it was her expressing her disappointment with the plethora of policies on the left concerning marginalized groups, the LGBTQ and trangender communities and Palestine. Roan stated, “There is no way I can stand behind some of the left’s completely transphobic and completely genocidal views.” 

Roan ended her video encouraging voters to vote for “who, in your mind, is the best option” and emphasized that we cannot “settle for what we have.”

Yet, even with Roan speaking about and adding more context to her lack of endorsement, this wasn’t enough for the Internet. Backlash from fans and foes alike continued and ultimately became too much for Roan, causing her to, yet again, cancel shows. 

As of Sept. 27, Roan announced via Instagram, “I apologize to people who have been waiting to see me in NYC & DC this weekend at All Things Go, but I am unable to perform. Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it.”  

This cancellation disappointed many fans, but it was most likely for the best. 

Roan is one of the few celebrities who refuse to be submissive to fame and the entertainment industry. Her outspoken nature makes people view her as aggressive and snooty when, in reality, it is her trying to protect her career, privacy and freedom as an artist. 

Consumers have a certain standard for celebrities and idols, so much so that they forget that they are people too. People do not always correctly articulate what they mean. Roan’s endorsement controversy is a perfect example of this. 

Roan’s career did not take a hit — her music is still being streamed by the millions — but her reputation certainly did. Many fans now view her differently and, as anyone else would, she needs time to cope. 

Roan is expected to continue touring, also appearing as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live on Nov. 2. If all remains calm, we can expect her to step back into the spotlight very soon.