Chappell Roan Cancels Appearances In New York And D.C.— Her Kamala Harris Endorsement Controversy Explained

27 Sep 2024 by Conor Murray · Forbes

Topline

Pop singer Chappell Roan, who rapidly rose to fame this year, canceled upcoming appearances at the “All Things Go” festivals in New York and Washington, D.C. to “prioritize my health,” days after she faced backlash over her comments criticizing both political parties and her initial refusal to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

Chappell Roan clarified she would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this week following ... [+] backlash. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)Getty Images

Key Facts

Roan was scheduled to perform at the New York and Washington, D.C. dates of the “All Things Go” festival this weekend, but announced in an Instagram story Friday afternoon she canceled her sets.

Roan said “things have gotten really overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” adding she wants to be “present when I perform and give the best shows possible.”

She said she needs a “few days to prioritize my health,” possibly referring to a wave of criticism she faced over her comments criticizing both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We support you Chappell Roan,” the All Things Go festival said in a social media post.

What Did Chappell Roan Say About Harris?

Roan (whose real name is Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) has made several statements in recent weeks criticizing the government and both political parties, largely over her pro-Palestinian views and her advocacy for transgender rights. She told Rolling Stone earlier this month she doesn’t “have a side because I hate both sides” and is “so embarrassed about everything going on right now.” She doubled down last week, telling The Guardian she doesn’t “feel pressured to endorse someone” because “there’s problems on both sides.” Following criticism from Democrats, who compared her unfavorably to straightforward Harris endorsements by fellow pop stars Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, Roan clarified her views in two TikTok videos this week. On Tuesday, Roan posted a video urging followers to “use critical thinking skills” and said it is “important to question authority and question world leaders,” clarifying she would not vote for Trump, but did not say whether she would vote for Harris. In another video posted Wednesday, Roan said she will vote for Harris, but clarified she would not fully endorse her because she does not agree with some of Harris’ stances, reiterating her views on Gaza and transgender rights. Roan did not specify which of Harris’ views on trans rights she opposed, but she previously told Rolling Stone she disagreed with a White House statement sent to the New York Times voicing opposition to gender-affirming surgery for minors—though the White House reportedly clarified weeks later it will “continue to fight state and national bans on gender-affirming care” but believes surgeries should be reserved for adults.

Crucial Quote

“Yes, one’s obviously better than the other,” Roan said, adding, “I hope you don’t settle for what we have.”

Chief Critics

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed Roan’s comments on political commentator Tim Miller’s Bulwark Podcast, stating he’s “all for folks doing their research” but said there is “a super clear choice” between the presidential candidates regarding their LGBTQ+ rights stances. Transgender rights advocate Charlotte Clymer said Roan’s hesitance to endorse Harris is an “excessively privileged position to take,” stating Harris would only win with support from volunteers and voters.

Contra

“I think extracting concessions from your elected representatives is good. its democracy,” left-wing political commentator and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker posted on X. Singer Ethel Cain defended Roan in a series of Tumblr posts: “the fact that even slight criticism of kamala, the public servant we’re expected to elect as the PRESIDENT of our COUNTRY as the PROGRESSIVE option, is seen as immediate unwavering support of trump… yall cannot actually be this stupid.” The Democratic Socialists of America offered “solidarity” to Roan for refusing to “look the other way” on Gaza.

Surprising Fact

Roan, who is a lesbian and has said much of her artistry is inspired by drag performers, previously turned down an offer to perform at the White House during Pride Month, telling Rolling Stone: “I’m not going to go to the White House because I am not going to be a monkey for Pride.” Roan said she considered going to read poems written by Palestinian women, but decided against it for security reasons.

Key Background

Roan has also spoken in recent weeks of feeling pressure because of her rapid rise to fame. She rose to prominence earlier this year following an opening slot on Olivia Rodrigo’s tour, a series of successful music festival performances, including what officials estimated was the biggest Lollapalooza set of all time, and a slew of hits including “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Hot to Go!” Roan has complained about alleged stalkers and harassers in multiple interviews and social media posts, stating: “I’m allowed to say no to creepy behavior.” She addressed struggling with her newfound fame on stage in June, telling fans: “I just feel a little off today because I think that my career is just kind of going really fast and it's really hard to keep up.”