Do Fans Go Too Far?

    In 2024, Chappell Roan lived the dream shared by many young artists: She got famous. At one point, the pop star was gaining 100,000 social media followers a day. Her new life was exciting. 

    But then came the problem: Her fans found her everywhere. 

    They begged her for selfies. They met her at airports. They followed her to hotels. They even showed up at her parents’ house.

    Roan has spoken out about this behavior. And it has started a big debate. What do celebrities owe their fans? And when do fans go too far?

    In 2024, Chappell Roan got famous. At one point, the pop star was gaining 100,000 social media followers a day. Her life was exciting.

    But then came the problem: Her fans found her everywhere.

    They begged her for selfies. They met her at airports. They followed her to hotels. They went to her parents’ house.

    Roan has spoken out about these actions. Is she right? What do stars owe their fans? And when do fans go too far?

    In 2024, Chappell Roan lived the dream shared by many young artists: becoming famous. At one point, the pop star was gaining 100,000 social media followers a day. Her new life was exciting.

    But then came the problem: Her fans found her everywhere.

    They begged her for selfies. They met her at airports, followed her to hotels, and even showed up at her parents’ house.

    Roan has spoken out about this behavior, and it has started a big debate. What do celebrities owe their fans—and when do fans go too far?

    Social media has changed our relationship with celebrities. We might be able to see what Millie Bobby Brown has for breakfast. We might get a look at Bad Bunny’s bedroom. These personal details can make us feel like we know them. 

    Some people might even expect celebrities to treat them like friends. “Our brains get attached to people we see often,” says Lynn Zubernis. She’s an expert who studies the relationships between fans and celebrities. “That happens whether they are in our living rooms or in our phones.”

    When Roan called out fans for bad behavior, some were angry. They called her rude. They said that dealing with fans is part of being famous—and that’s what she signed up for. 

    They also said she should be honored that people love her so much. 

    After all, stars would be nothing—and make no money—without fans. Shouldn’t celebrities be willing to put up with some selfies and screaming?

    Social media has changed our relationship with celebrities. We might be able to see what Millie Bobby Brown has for breakfast. We might get a look at Bad Bunny’s bedroom. These details can make us feel like we know them.

    Some people might even expect celebrities to treat them like friends. “Our brains get attached to people we see often,” says Lynn Zubernis. She’s an expert who studies the relationships between fans and celebrities. “That happens whether they are in our living rooms or in our phones.”

    When Roan called out fans for bad behavior, some were angry. They called her rude. They said that dealing with fans is part of being famous. They said she should be honored that people love her so much.

    Stars would be nothing without fans.  They would make no money. Shouldn’t they just deal with the selfies and screaming?

    Social media has changed our relationship with celebrities. We might be able to see what Millie Bobby Brown has for breakfast or get a look at Bad Bunny’s bedroom. Personal details like these can make us feel like we know our favorite stars.

    Some people might even expect celebrities to treat them like friends. “Our brains get attached to people we see often,” explains Lynn Zubernis, an expert who studies the relationships between fans and celebrities. “That happens whether they are in our living rooms or in our phones.”

    When Roan called out fans for bad behavior, some got angry and called her rude. They said that dealing with fans is part of being famous—and that’s what she signed up for.

    They also said she should be honored that people love her so much.

    After all, stars would be nothing—and make no money—without their fans. Shouldn’t celebrities be willing to put up with some selfies and screaming?