Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is in a precarious position as she navigates her fame, mental health, and the boundaries between public and private exposure—and she’s doing her best to balance them. Roan faced backlash after canceling two festival appearances and talking openly about her discomfort with obsessive fans. But Roan, who has bipolar II disorder, is open about her mental health struggles and the importance of self-care. The condition is characterized by mood swings that stress and lack of sleep exacerbate.
How Chappell Roan is Changing Expectations of Fame
Of course, society often places celebrities on a pedestal, holding them to sometimes impossible standards. You don’t have to look further than social media to see it, and it extends far beyond Chappell Roan. Yet, Roan is taking a stand. She is refusing to compromise her personal boundaries and mental health for her fans and being honest about her vulnerability as a celebrity. She described her situation this way: “I feel more love than I ever have in my life. I feel the most unsafe I ever have in my life.”
This line showcases the struggle of celebrities everywhere. While no one forced her into a music career and she has to expect a certain degree of publicity with it, she does not have to sacrifice her wellbeing. Time and again, Roan has called out her fans on this point, remarking about how uncomfortable she feels with harassment, “stalker vibes” and obsessive behavior directed toward her.
On August 23, she posted a lengthy statement on Instagram defending her behavior. As people have challenged her, asking why she’d choose a career where obsessive behavior is usually expected with success in the music industry, she has clapped back. She has compared her fame and subsequent harassment to women wearing skirts and being harassed, drawing a parallel that puts the burden to change behavior on those offending rather than the victim.
Maintaining Mental Health While Navigating Public Life
Studies show that an estimated 23.1% of the adult population in the US has a mental health condition of some kind. It’s only natural that celebrities face them at similar rates.
Roan has been transparent about her mental health struggles, citing difficulties regulating her emotions and body image due to her bipolar II diagnosis. Touring as a musician is already incredibly demanding, necessitating changes in time zones and inconsistent schedules that can spell serious trouble for those struggling with bipolar disorder.
Navigating life in the spotlight can be difficult even without the mental health struggles. Despite the constant attention and adoration of fans, fame can come with feelings of isolation and mistrust. Celebrities often describe their situation as one of feeling like they’re a caged animal on display, without any privacy. Fans may approach at any moment to declare their undying loyalty with uncomfortable familiarity, ignoring the fact that they are a complete stranger. This feeling of being constantly under watch can be unnerving and even distressing.
Roan has echoed these sentiments. In an August 23 Instagram post, she wrote, “I don’t agree with the notion that I owe a mutual exchange of energy, time, or attention to people I do not know, do not trust, or who creep me out—just because they’re expressing admiration.”
Her message to the public continues with a request: “Please do not assume you know a lot about someone’s life, personality, and boundaries because you are familiar with them or their work online.”
It’s understandable that fans get excited when they see or have an opportunity to interact directly with their favorite celebrities. However, a celebrity’s status as a public figure doesn’t mean that they can’t have boundaries of their own. Boundaries are critical for mental health, allowing individuals to set clearly defined limits that allow them to feel secure and comfortable with how they are treated.
The Impact of Redefining Boundaries in a Digital Age
As much as Roan has stood her ground regarding boundaries, it hasn’t been without pushback. Many defend the so-called “superfan” behavior toward celebrities, blaming her for assuming the risk when she entered the public sphere. She answered succinctly on TikTok: “I don’t care that it’s normal. I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job, the career field I’ve chosen. That does not make it okay. That doesn’t make it normal. It doesn’t mean I want it.”
Whether it’s positive or negative, the idea of fame and celebrity status has changed drastically with the internet. Sudden fame can arrive practically overnight with a viral video or a good news story. Beyond that, the internet has created a way for fans and celebrities to connect more than ever before. Unfortunately, that also means a blurring of boundaries and privacy. It’s not just the tabloids and paparazzi that celebrities have to worry about anymore—it’s also often overzealous fans desperate for a way to connect with their favorite content creators.
With nonstop access to content online, social media pages, and a myriad of ways to interact, celebrities can find themselves inundated with attempts for connection literally around the clock. It’s bound to get exhausting, and celebrities are right in drawing some sort of boundaries. After all, even famous people are still people with the same desires for security, privacy, and respect.
Insights on Staying Grounded Amid Growing Celebrity Status
Increasingly, people who find themselves engulfed in fame find new ways to retain their private lives. From using stage or pen names to setting firm boundaries like Roan did to protect her mental health, it’s becoming more common to see celebrities find ways to live some semblance of a normal life.
Fans may take being brushed off as a slight or a sign that celebrities shouldn’t be in the limelight, but many are ready to take the risk of negative publicity for their own wellbeing. Recently, Mike Dirnt, bassist for the worldwide sensation Green Day, announced that he would no longer be signing autographs at airports or hotels. Justin Bieber has stated outright that he doesn’t owe anyone photos. These refusals to interact with fans outside of scheduled events are becoming the norm.
Staying grounded can be difficult amid constant demands for more interaction. Some may fear the backlash they’ll get. Others might feel pressured, like they owe it to their fans who made them famous.
Unfortunately, navigating mental health challenges can be further complicated by fame and feelings of obligation to one’s fans. That pressure to prioritize public image and a fanbase can compound, making it even harder to juggle a celebrity’s wellness and public expectations. Chappell Roan’s stress shows in her social media posts, including the one in which she apologizes for canceling two of her shows. As she puts it, “Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it.”
Ultimately, Roan is trying to stay grounded. She’s recognizing that she needs self-care. She’s putting her mental health above performing. She’s seeking treatment through therapy and medication for her underlying condition. And, setting those boundaries and focusing on herself and her limits is setting an example for other celebrities, too.
