Pop star Chappell Roan made headlines again Friday night after a heated exchange with a photographer on the red carpet at Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour movie premiere in Los Angeles. Roan, known for her unfiltered approach and hit songs like Pink Pony Club and Bitter, confronted a photographer she recognized from a past event, demanding an apology for what she described as “disrespectful” behavior at the Grammy Awards earlier this year.
As she posed for photos at NYA Studios EAST, Roan spotted the photographer and made her way toward him. In footage shared widely on social media, she can be heard addressing him directly: “You were so disrespectful to me at the Grammys,” she said, adding, “You yelled at me at the Grammy party. Yes, I remember. You were so rude to me. And I deserve an apology for that. You need to apologize to me.” Although a member of her team attempted to diffuse the situation, it’s unclear whether the photographer responded to her demand.
This red carpet incident comes just over a month after another memorable moment at the 2024 MTV VMAs, where Roan was similarly involved in a confrontation with a photographer. During the VMAs pre-show at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, Roan was adjusting her medieval-themed outfit when a photographer reportedly shouted “Shut the f— up” at her. In response, Roan turned around, pointed at the person, and clapped back with “YOU shut the f— up! Not me, b—!” The moment, captured on video, received a wave of support online from fans who praised her for standing up for herself.
In a later interview with Entertainment Tonight, Roan opened up about her experience and the pressures of public appearances. “This is quite overwhelming and quite scary,” she shared, mentioning her anxiety in environments where people yell at her. “The carpet is horrifying… I yelled back! You don’t get to yell at me like that.”
The growing pressures of fame have taken a toll on the 26-year-old singer, who has openly discussed her struggles with severe depression and anxiety. Just days after the VMAs incident, she canceled two highly-anticipated performances at the All Things Go Music Festival in New York and Washington, D.C., explaining her need to prioritize mental health. “Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” she wrote in an Instagram Story, expressing her disappointment in having to step back for her well-being. Although fans expressed frustration, especially those who had traveled to see her perform, many also offered understanding and support, recognizing her need to recharge.
Despite the tension on the red carpet Friday, Roan quickly returned to the spotlight, posing confidently with GUTS star Olivia Rodrigo. Her willingness to stand up for herself, combined with her openness about mental health, has made Roan a relatable figure for fans who see her as a champion for personal boundaries and self-care.
As Roan continues to navigate the challenges of fame, her recent red carpet interactions signal a new chapter in her career—one where she is determined to demand respect while remaining true to herself.