Chappell Roan gets real about emotional toll of online hate

Published: Jun 18 2025

The Grammy-adorned vocalist, Chappell Roan, has opened up about the profound emotional impact of online criticism. In a heartfelt exchange with SZA for Interview magazine, Roan confided that she once shrugged off negative feedback, but her attitude shifted when the hate directed at her began to stem from her personal identity, rather than her artistic endeavors. "I remained indifferent until individuals started disliking me for who I am, Kayleigh, not just for the tunes I crafted," Roan expressed. "The moment it ceased being about my music and transformed into, 'They despise me as Kayleigh, unconnected to my songs,' that's when the dynamic changed." She emphasized that her fans only know her public face, Chappell Roan, not her authentic self, Kayleigh.

Chappell Roan gets real about emotional toll of online hate 1

The soulful crooner behind "Casual" admitted that encountering hateful remarks online could be excruciatingly painful. "It brings tears to my eyes," she confessed. "I'm uncertain if I'll ever feel at ease hearing someone utter something profoundly hurtful about me." In response, SZA shared her own battles with criticism, feeling a sense of relief knowing that Roan could empathize with her vulnerabilities.

Renowned for speaking her mind fearlessly, whether it's addressing inappropriate fan behavior, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or taking on record labels, Roan demonstrates unwavering courage. Her unapologetic stance was evident when she confronted a photographer on the red carpet, asserting, "I won't hesitate to call someone out right there on the carpet." She continued, "At this juncture in my career, I'm assessing whether the path I've chosen is sustainable."

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