VMAs 2024: Why Chappell Roan insulted photographers

Chappell Roan does not take the boundaries she sets for her fans – and now press photographers – lightly.

The singer of “Hot to Go!” and “Good Luck, Babe!”, one of the current femininos of pop music, made her debut at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday. On the red carpet in front of the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, Roan attracted attention not only with her simple, medieval-looking look.

According to a viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Roan raised her voice at a photographer stationed at the step-and-repeat, telling him to “shut up.” Before the heated moment, a person off-screen can be heard saying the same vulgar phrase, though it’s unclear why.

“No, I don’t, bitch,” she added.

Shortly after the exchange, the “Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess” musician explained that she was just making her point. “It’s pretty overwhelming and pretty scary,” she told Entertainment Tonight on the carpet.

“I think for someone who is very afraid of people shouting at them, the carpet is terrible and I shouted back,” she continued. “They have no right to shout at me like that.”

The 26-year-old singer, who has been on top form all summer, has spoken openly about the toll her rapid rise to fame has taken on her personal life and privacy. In two powerful TikTok videos shared last month, Roan accused some fans of harassment, bullying and stalking her family. She also said it’s “weird” when fans stop her for a photo or a hug.

After facing backlash, Roan later clarified her message.

“I don’t agree with the idea that I owe people I don’t know, don’t trust, or who creep me out a reciprocal exchange of energy, time, or attention – just because they express admiration,” she said in the August statement on social media. “Women don’t owe you a reason why they don’t want to be touched or spoken to.”

On Wednesday, Roan not only brought the VMAs red carpet to life. She set the VMAs stage ablaze with a flaming crossbow during her performance of “Good Luck, Babe!” Dressed in armor, she sang and danced with sword-wielding backing dancers while the flames surrounded a castle.

Before Wednesday’s ceremony, Roan was nominated in four categories, including Song of the Summer and Trending Video. She took home the award for Best New Artist and dedicated her win to those who have inspired her.

“I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me. And I dedicate this to the queer and trans people who drive pop music. The gay people who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate,” she said, reading from her diary.

She added, “And to all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now: I see you. I understand you, because I am one of you. And don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be.”