Singer Chappell Roan has responded to backlash she received for refusing to publicly endorse a candidate in the US election. 

In an interview with The Guardian last week, Roan, 26, declined to say who she was voting for. 

“I have so many issues with our government in every way,” she said. “There are so many things that I would want to change. So I don’t feel pressured to endorse someone. There’s problems on both sides. I encourage people to use your critical thinking skills, use your vote – vote small, vote for what’s going on in your city.”

She went on to say the biggest change she wanted the election to result in was “trans rights. They cannot have cis people making decisions for trans people, period.”

Despite suggesting she would be voting for whoever is doing more for trans rights, many took umbrage with Roan’s refusing to provide an endorsement. 

“Nuance”

In a new TikTok video, Roan has addressed that criticism. She still declined to endorse a candidate but clarified she is not voting for Donald Trump in November. 

“I have encouraged people to use critical thinking skills, learn about what they’re voting for, learn about who they’re voting for and ask questions, and it’s being completely taken out of context, per usual,” she began.

“There is nuance in what I say in interviews, and I think it’s important that people use critical thinking.”

She went on to read out the Guardian excerpt again. 

Roan then told viewers, “I think it’s important for me to question authority and question world leaders, and question myself, question my algorithm, question if some person that tweeted something about someone else is even true.

“It’s important to question because that’s how I think we move forward. 

“This is my third election in voting and the world is changing so rapidly, and I want to be part of the generation that changes things for good.

“If you come to my shows, if you read my full interviews, if you literally know anything about what I stand for, you know that this is not lip service.

“This is not virtue signaling, that my actions have always paved the way for my project and the people who really know me.”

She continued, “Actions speak louder than words and actions speak louder than an endorsement.”

And for those still wondering, she added, “Hear it from my mouth, if you’re still wondering. No, I’m not voting for Trump.

“And yes, I will always question those in power and those making decisions over other people, and I will stand up for what’s right and what I believe in.”

@chappellroan

♬ original sound – chappell roan

The internet reacts

Roan has disabled comments beneath her TikTok video. However, many had something to say when the clip was reshared by others on social media. 

Severe depression

In her same interview with The Guardian, Roan revealed she’s recently been diagnosed with “severe depression.”

“Which I didn’t think I had because I’m not actually sad,” she said. “But I have every symptom of someone who’s severely depressed.”

Roan has previously been diagnosed with Bipolar II. She says her depression symptoms include brain fog, forgetfulness, poor focus and “a very lackluster viewpoint.”

“I think it’s because my whole life has changed,” she said of her current symptoms. “Everything that I really love to do now comes with baggage. If I want to go thrifting, I have to book security and prepare myself that this is not going to be normal. Going to the park, pilates, yoga — how do I do this in a safe way where I’m not going to be stalked or harassed?”

Despite publicly struggling to adapt to her rapid rise to fame in 2024, Roan still took time out a couple of days ago to thank fans. On Instagram, she marked the first anniversary of her album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, being released. 

“1 year of The Rise & Fall of a Midwest Princess my life has been changed forever 🫶 this has been amazing and hard and beautiful and eye opening and empowering and transformative and every emotion ever. Thank you thank you thank you for everything. Thank you for showing up for this project and believing in me.”

Related
Before fame, Chappell Roan composed the score to this indie horror film
Chappell Roan’s Dublin concert became a Wednesday reunion

Sign up for the INTO newsletter and get your twice-weekly dose of stories that shape the queer experience, culture, and lifestyle.

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated