It’s about time we started seeing people in the spotlight standing up for themselves and demanding the respect they deserve, and Chappell Roan did just that at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. While on the red carpet, Roan overheard a photographer shouting, “Shut the f**k up,” and she didn’t let it slide. In a moment that’s gone viral, she spun around and fired back, “You shut the f**k up,” and made it crystal clear with her pointed finger and fierce talons. “Don’t. Not me, b**ch,” she added, shutting down the rude remark like an absolute monarch.
Roan later explained how overwhelming the red carpet can be, especially for someone who deals with anxiety in stressful, high-energy situations. “This is quite overwhelming and quite scary… the carpet is horrifying,” she shared with Entertainment Tonight. Good on her for standing her ground. The fact that she took control of the situation in such a chaotic environment shows exactly the kind of energy we need right now. Women deserve respect, and it looks like this generation is stepping up to demand it—as they should.
Roan’s call out isn’t a fleeting thing—it’s a sign that times are changing. For too long, people in the public eye have been expected to just “take it” when they’re spoken to disrespectfully or treated poorly. But not anymore. We’re seeing a shift, and it feels good.
It reminds me of when Jenna Ortega told Winona Ryder she didn’t have to take her sunglasses off if she didn’t want to. That’s the kind of care and respect we’re here for. People, whether they’re in the spotlight or not, deserve to be treated with decency. Public figures aren’t there to be bullied, belittled, or forced into discomfort.
Roan wasn’t just a red-carpet sensation—she also took home the award for Best New Artist at the VMAs and used her platform to highlight the queer community and the drag artists who inspire her. “I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me,” she said during her acceptance speech, adding, “I see you, I understand you, because I’m one of you.”
It’s clear Roan’s got both the talent and the backbone to stand up for herself and others, and we couldn’t be prouder of her for it. Moments like this signal the kind of cultural shift we’ve all been waiting for—one where women stand tall, claim their space and refuse to be disrespected. Stay unruly, Chappell. We’re with you.
