Chappell Roan, the “Hot to Go!” singer, has explained her reaction to a photographer at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) after a tense exchange on the red carpet. On Wednesday, September 11, Roan responded to a photographer who was overheard saying, “Shut the f*** up” by repeating the phrase back to him, adding, “You shut the f*** up. No, not me, b***h.”
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Roan, whose real name is Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, explained why she snapped. “This is quite overwhelming and quite scary,” she said. “I think for someone who gets a lot of anxiety around people yelling at you … the carpet is horrifying, and I yelled back. You don’t get to yell at me like that.”
The moment quickly gained attention on social media, with many users defending Roan’s reaction. A clip of the incident was posted on X (formerly Twitter), where commenters supported her stance. One user wrote, “People need to understand that she’s nervous. It’s her first award show event that’s broadcasted… People need to just leave the poor girl alone and let her enjoy every moment of this night.” Another added, “As she should cause why is he yelling shut the f*** up at a red carpet like that?”
However, not everyone agreed. Some critics questioned whether Roan should have attended the event if she found the environment so overwhelming. One commenter wrote, “I think she just needs to stay home, I don’t think she can handle society.” Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “If you can’t handle it don’t go. Otherwise don’t complain about the yelling. The privilege and entitlement here is outrageous.”
Roan has been vocal about setting boundaries with her fans. Earlier this month, she posted a video on TikTok addressing her right to refuse photos with fans, explaining that fame does not entitle others to invade her personal space. “I don’t care that abuse and harassment, stalking, whatever, is a normal thing to do to people who are famous… That doesn’t make it okay,” Roan said. She emphasized that just because fans listen to her music doesn’t mean they know her personally or are owed her time and attention.
Roan’s strong stance on boundaries has been consistent throughout her career, and she continues to speak out against the pressures of fame and fan entitlement.
