The MTV Video Music Awards once again left us in awe! The 2024 edition had a little bit of everything, from Katy Perry delivering some of her greatest hits to Taylor Swift sharing heartfelt words about the joy Travis Kelce brings to her life. It was undoubtedly one of the most eventful shows in recent memory.
While the lineup showcased many rising stars, the artist who stole the spotlight was, without question, Chappell Roan. Proudly calling herself “your favorite artist’s favorite artist,” she lived up to the claim. In a Joan of Arc-inspired spectacle, she captivated the world with a passionate performance of her latest hit, “Good Luck Babe!”
However, the night wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Missouri-born singer. Right at the start, as she barely set foot in the venue, she found herself in a confrontation that has since taken the internet by storm and is likely to be talked about for years to come. Here’s what went down.
Chappell Roan’s photographer feud at the VMAs
Since Chappell Roan rose to A-list status just a few months ago, her music has been widely celebrated by fans and critics alike. However, when it comes to her public persona, she has made it clear that she values her personal boundaries. Recently, the performer stated that she doesn’t want to be approached out of her working hours as a singer.
Chappell Roan accepts the Best New Artist award on stage during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)
This stance sparked controversy, with some arguing that fame comes with a price that must be tolerated. At the VMAs, this conversation gained further traction after a brief but heated altercation between Chappell and a photographer on the red carpet.
Though a video of the incident surfaced, the footage is somewhat unclear. Chappell is seen posing in her outfit when someone off-camera can be heard aggressively yelling, “Shut the f*ck up!” To which Chappell sharply retorted, “You shut the f*ck up!” before adding, “Don’t! Not me, b*tch,” making it clear that she wasn’t about to ignore disrespect from paparazzi.
It was later revealed that Chappell wasn’t the original target of the outburst. The singer had intervened in an argument between two photographers, reacting to one who had been rude. In another leaked video, the man who shouted can be heard saying, “I’m not gonna shut the f*ck up, she missed the spot!” likely addressing his colleagues, who had asked him to quiet down, which prompted Chappell’s response.
Despite the intense confrontation, Chappell quickly regained her composure and went on to enjoy the rest of the night. In a later interview with Entertainment, she laughed off the incident, saying, “You don’t get to yell at me like that! It’s easy for me to stand up for myself. I’m not letting this happen for the rest of my career. I’ve only been famous for, like, a month, and this is not how it’s gonna go!”
