Chappell Roan is undeniably making waves across the globe.

The Missouri-born artist has transformed into an influential queer pop figure. Her infectious tracks, including “Pink Pony Club,” “Hot To Go!” and “Good Luck, Babe,” are constantly featured on radio playlists, with the latter hitting No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Last Wednesday, she made a splash at the MTV Video Music Awards with her first live performance, also taking home the award for “Best New Artist.” Later this October, her vibrant image will be showcased on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The cover story—available online now—offers an unfiltered glimpse into Roan’s swift rise to prominence, which has been both exhilarating and overwhelming for her.

After the recent success of her album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Roan has become an outspoken advocate for causes dear to her heart, especially those affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

The pop singer actively collaborates with local drag performers who join her on stage, declined an offer to perform at the White House for Pride Month, and will donate part of the proceeds from her upcoming concert in Rogers, Arkansas, to The GLO Center in Springfield, Missouri.

However, last month marked a shift as Roan found herself in the limelight for a different reason.

Chappell Roan addressed ‘predatory behavior’ from fans in TikTok videos

On August 19, Roan shared two TikTok videos where she spoke about individuals demonstrating “predatory behavior” towards her.

In the first video, she asked viewers several thought-provoking questions:

“If you spotted an unknown woman on the street, would you yell at her from your car? Would you harass her in public? Would you approach a random woman and ask for a photo, even if she says no and you react negatively? Would you like it if she declined your request because she has her own life? Would you stalk her family? Would you follow her around? Would you try to analyze her life and bully her online? This is a person you don’t know, and who doesn’t know you either. Would you assume she’s a good or bad person? Would you believe everything you read about her online? I’m just an ordinary person. You’re just an ordinary person. Just think about that for a moment, okay?”

In her second video, she elaborated on how what some may consider “normal” celebrity treatment is, in fact, not acceptable.

“I don’t care if peculiar behavior comes with my profession,” she declares in the video. “That doesn’t make it right. It doesn’t mean I desire it or appreciate it. It’s strange that people feel they know someone just because they’ve seen them online or enjoy the art they create. I have the right to reject inappropriate behavior, okay?”

By Thursday, these two TikTok videos garnered over 32 million views combined. They rapidly spread across social media, leading to mixed reactions from fans, many of whom were curious about the situations Roan was referring to and some even accusing her of being ungrateful for her fanbase’s support.

A few days later, Roan took to Instagram to clarify her perspective on the videos.

“For the past decade, I’ve dedicated myself tirelessly to my project, and I have now reached a point where I need to establish boundaries,” she began her statement. “I’ve had too many non-consensual physical and social interactions and need to make it clear: women are not obligated to you.”

Roan continued by explaining that when she is performing on stage as her drag persona, she is in “work mode.” However, in other settings, she is not required to conform to that role, nor does she owe anyone anything.

“I’m specifically referring to predatory behavior that pretends to be ‘superfan’ behavior—something that has become a norm due to the treatment of notable women in the industry,” Roan articulated in her statement, shedding light on her TikTok messages.

Although Roan has spent a significant amount of time perfecting her art, for many, her sudden rise to fame felt instantaneous.

Chappell Roan’s unease with fame resonates with others, experts say

Since Roan’s revelations, numerous female artists have expressed their support for her, including Lady Gaga, Hayley Williams of Paramore, Charli XCX, and Billie Eilish. Elton John has also shown great encouragement for Roan, engaging with her during interviews and featuring her music on his radio show, “Rocket Hour.”

A university located in Boston, Massachusetts, noted that Roan’s recent revelations are “a very familiar situation.”

Moore stated, “I can confidently say that every woman I’ve interacted with beyond casual conversations has shared experiences of harassment, abuse, sexual assault, or violence linked to their on-stage presence or from being viewed as more accessible to the public.” Moore has spent her career in the live music production sector, working closely with various artists.

As an admirer of Roan’s work, Moore expressed her appreciation for Roan’s TikTok videos and recent Instagram post due to their candidness.

Moore remarked, “I felt she articulated her experiences in ways that would resonate and draw the necessary attention, being very straightforward about her anger and desire to redefine personal boundaries.”

A heart-wrenching incident that has come to light again following Roan’s remarks is the story of pop-punk artist Christina Grimmie, who was tragically murdered at a concert in 2016, just 22 years old. After her show at The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida, Grimmie was signing autographs when a man she thought was a fan hugged her and shot her four times before turning the gun on himself. She passed away later that night.

Moore pointed out that social media has played a significant role in fostering predatory behavior among so-called “super fans” in recent times.

How social media fosters a new type of parasocial interaction

“Social media encourages us to view our relationship with artists whose music we adore as something more personal,” Moore explained. “We often interpret songs as reflections of the artists’ inner lives, emotions, and relationships, creating a false sense of familiarity with them through their work.”

This situation creates a one-sided connection, known as a parasocial relationship, where fans feel an emotional bond with a public figure.

Holly Holladay, an associate professor specializing in media, journalism, and film at Missouri State University, has conducted extensive research on these parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities. In 2013, she co-published a study focusing on Lady Gaga’s Little Monsters fan community.

According to Holladay, fans can generally be categorized into two groups in the context of parasocial relationships. The first group is the “obsessive loner,” characterized by extreme fandom, which may include tattoos and constant online monitoring of a celebrity. The second category, which Roan directly addressed, is the “hysterical mob,” consisting of fans who exploit celebrities’ blurred personal boundaries to their advantage.

The rise of social media has intensified this dynamic, allowing fans to feel more intimately connected to their idols.

“Social media, especially platforms managed by the celebrity, diminishes the distance and fosters a feeling of closeness, enhancing the illusion of knowing them,” Holladay added. “Previously, gaining insights about a star was limited to controlled channels—celebrity gossip magazines, interviews, and press releases. Now, direct access to celebrities is much more prevalent.”

In the case of Roan, it seems she is actively engaged in her social media, particularly when she shares relaxed videos on TikTok that contrast with her performance persona.

Holladay expressed her empathy for Roan, feeling a protective instinct towards her.

“I challenge any of us to envision what it’s like to receive intense attention from everyone overnight,” Holladay remarked.

An unfiltered image

A major reason people feel such a strong connection to Roan may be because of Her genuineness shines both on and off the stage.

“She comes across as so organic, which is amusing since her whole identity revolves around drag and camp,” Holladay mentioned, adding that she thinks Roan is “incredibly unique” in how she portrays the LGBTQ+ community.

Moore agreed with Holladay.

“For those of us in rural queer communities, we didn’t have a role model like this before,” Moore expressed.

During her acceptance speech for the “Best New Artist” award at the VMAs on Wednesday, Roan connected with her audience by reading from her journal.

“For all the queer kids in the Midwest tuning in right now, I see you and I understand you because I’m just like you,” Roan stated during her acceptance remarks.