When Does Fan Behavior Go Too Far?

Chappell Roan, otherwise known as “your favorite artists’ favorite artist” rose to fame after opening for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” tour in February.

However, some speculate that Roan wasn’t built for the rapid rise to fame she’s experienced since Rodrigo’s vast audience brought more attention to her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.”

Although the album was released in 2023, it currently has six songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Roan’s latest release, “Good Luck, Babe!” has proven to be an even bigger success, charting at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. 

That rise in popularity has greatly benefited Roan, but the singer has expressed concern about “creepy” fan behavior. 

Roan stated her frustration with how fans treat her in public on TikTok: “if you saw a random woman on the street, would you yell at her from the car window? Would you harass her in public?… I am a random [person]” 

She added in a second video that even though her job makes her a public figure, fans demanding a photo or yelling at her in public is inappropriate. 

The singer explains, “I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job…that does not make it okay…

Yelling and harassing someone in public is never okay. So why does the sentiment change when someone is famous? 

Social media like TikTok and Instagram make it easier for fans to feel connected to celebrities due to the constant influx of content they produce.

That makes it easier for fans to cross boundaries in public and take their love for artists too far. Being followed, stalked, touched, and yelled is unacceptable behavior.

The lack of boundaries against intense superfan behavior is dangerous for artists and their families, who are often stalked by fans. It’s also mentally draining to feel like there is no separation between an artist’s personal life and public persona. 

Chappell Roan’s statement on fan’s inappropriate behavior should be taken seriously. Just because a fan loves an artist’s work does not mean that harassing them in public is okay.