The 2024 MTV VMAs on September 11 at UBS Arena in New York were a whirlwind of fashion and drama. As celebrities showcased their glamorous looks on the red carpet, Chappell Roan, known for her hit “Hot To Go,” found herself at the center of an unexpected controversy. While posing for photographers, the singer faced an insult from one of the photographers, leading to a tense exchange.
Entertainment Tonight captured the moment, showing Roan, 26, responding with noticeable frustration. Despite this being her debut at the awards show, she did not shy away from defending herself. Encouraged by someone behind the camera, Roan stood her ground. Later, she expressed feeling overwhelmed and frightened by the incident, explaining that the red carpet can be particularly daunting for her due to anxiety and her sensitivity to being yelled at. Roan highlighted that she felt it was important to stand up for herself and would not tolerate disrespect.
This incident comes on the heels of Roan’s recent social media post about setting boundaries. In her post, she detailed her decision to disable comments on her content, emphasizing that she was not seeking public input but rather asserting her right to personal space and respect. Roan encouraged reflection on why such expressions provoke strong reactions, reinforcing her stance on demanding respect.
At the VMAs, Roan made a striking impression with her gothic-inspired look. She wore a sheer brown Y/Project gown with a plunging neckline, paired with a pistachio green velvet robe adorned with golden embroidery. Her ensemble was completed with a sword, metal cuffs, a cross necklace, and long, pointed nails. Her signature red hair was styled with half in a braided bun and the rest flowing freely. Roan was nominated in four categories: Best New Artist, Push Performance of the Year for “Red Wine Supernova,” Best Trending Video for “Hot To Go,” and Song of Summer for “Good Luck, Babe!” She won the award for Best New Artist.