**Chappell Roan Speaks Out on the Emotional Toll of “Hateful” Online Backlash**
Rising pop sensation Chappell Roan has spoken candidly about the deeply personal impact online criticism has had on her, revealing a shift from indifference to genuine hurt as negative comments have taken aim at her character instead of simply critiquing her music.
Roan, whose real name is Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, became a household name with hits like “Hot to Go!” and “Pink Pony Club.” While she once shrugged off negative comments about her work, she admits that recent barbs aimed at her personality have led to disappointment and distress.
This revelation emerged during a conversation with fellow musician SZA for Interview Magazine, where Roan was asked to reflect on whether public backlash affected her. The singer confessed, “I didn’t, until people started hating me for me and not for my art.” She went on to explain that criticism feels much more painful when it appears to target her as an individual, rather than only her creative output. “That’s when it changed,” she said, making it clear that her relationship with public opinion is evolving.
Discussing the complexity of life in the public eye, Roan highlighted the divide between her public persona and her private self. “They don’t [know Kayleigh],” she said, referencing her audience, “but when things are taken out of context, people assume so much about you.” This disconnect, she suggested, can be deeply frustrating, as assumption and rumour become entwined with her true identity.
Despite maintaining a thick skin for much of her career, Roan admitted that especially harsh or personal comments have had an emotional toll. “I didn’t realise I’d care so much,” she said, explaining that while criticism of her songs doesn’t bother her, “when it comes to me and my personality, it’s like, ‘Damn. Am I the most insufferable [person] of our generation?’” She acknowledged that such negativity has at times brought her to tears, underscoring the very real consequences of online trolling.
SZA, no stranger to the pressures of fame herself, commiserated with Roan during their discussion. She expressed relief at hearing someone else voice these anxieties, admitting that she too often questions whether she is “cut out” for the scrutiny and public judgement that come with celebrity. “Everybody else who’s cut out for this doesn’t give a [damn], but that’s not true,” SZA said, highlighting a common misconception about emotional resilience in the music industry.
Both singers touched upon the way fleeting public interactions can be misconstrued, with SZA noting that brief moments with fans are sometimes taken as evidence of someone’s entire character. “They’re all going to take this with them and be like, ‘Yep, that’s who she is,’ and we’re going to tell other people that this is who she is, also’.” SZA lamented that such misunderstandings, though completely detached from reality, can lead to widespread misconceptions.
These frank admissions highlight an ongoing debate about the responsibilities of online audiences and the mental health toll associated with fame in the digital age. There is growing recognition that the impact of hateful comments extends far beyond the screen, often affecting the wellbeing of those in the public eye.
Chappell Roan’s openness joins a broader conversation about the need for empathy and mindfulness, not only in the music industry, but within public discourse as a whole. As social media continues to blur the line between personal and public life, stories like hers serve as a timely reminder of the real people behind the headlines.
The music industry, while offering creativity and opportunity, also exposes artists to unprecedented levels of scrutiny and judgement. Roan’s vulnerability in discussing this issue may encourage others to reflect on their own behaviour online, and perhaps foster a more supportive environment for artists and fans alike.