Chappell Roan’s Response to Criticism of Her Grammys Speech

Chappell Roan did not have a “Casual” reaction to a music industry executive who took issue with her Grammys speech.

Roan’s Instagram Response

Roan posted on her Instagram Stories a response to a Hollywood Reporter guest essay that went viral for criticizing her Grammy night takedown of the industry. Roan had slammed major labels for their treatment of young, new recording artists and called for paying them a living wage and providing healthcare.

Jeff Rabhan’s Critique

In the original piece, Jeff Rabhan accused Roan of “broadcasting naïveté and taking aim at the very machine that got her there,” and arguing: “If labels are responsible for artists’ wages, health care and overall well-being, where does it end and personal responsibility begin? Should Chris Blackwell put a mint on her pillow and tuck her in at night, too? There is no moral or ethical obligation by any standard that hold labels responsible for the allocation of additional funds beyond advances and royalties.”

Roan’s Response to Rabhan

On Friday, Roan fired back on social to Rabhan: “Wanna match me $25K to support struggling artists? Will keep everyone updated with the much-awaited response. I will show receipts of the donations. In the meantime, here are some artists who deserve more love and a bigger platform.” Roan then gave shoutouts to Hemlock Springs, Sarah Kinsley, Devon Again, and Baby Storme. She also posted Rabhan’s social media handle, presumably so her fans could express their thoughts on the matter.

Industry Recognition and Counterpoint Essay

THR put Roan on our list of Hollywood’s Biggest Winners of 2024 and also posted a counterpoint guest essay from songwriter Kay Hanley on this subject.

Kay Hanley’s Perspective

Hanley wrote: “Perhaps he was thinking: a young woman; a best new artist; she just materialized moments ago and doesn’t understand how we do things around here. Allow me, the 50-something music business executive, to explain” and then broke down some of the brutal financial realities facing young artists. She later concluded: “[Roan] earned every second of her moment on stage and used it as wisely as anyone I’ve ever seen in my 35-year music career. Major labels, it’s time to change your ways. The shot heard ‘round the world has just been fired by a 26-year-old icon. Good luck.”

FAQs

Q: What was the main point of Chappell Roan’s Grammys speech?

A: Chappell Roan criticized major labels for their treatment of young, new recording artists and called for paying them a living wage and providing healthcare.

Q: How did Roan respond to the criticism from Jeff Rabhan?

A: Roan challenged Rabhan to match her $25K donation to support struggling artists and highlighted other artists who deserve more recognition.

Q: What was Kay Hanley’s perspective on the situation?

A: Kay Hanley praised Roan for using her platform wisely and called for major labels to change their ways in supporting young artists.

Credit: www.hollywoodreporter.com