Chappell Roan has responded to an opinion piece in The Hollywood Reporter penned by former record executive Jeff Rabhan, which characterized the artist as a self-involved “instant industry insider.” The “Pink Pony Club” singer, who took home the Grammy for Best New Artist at the 2025 ceremony and used her time onstage to call for labels to do more to support artists, has chosen to put her money where her mouth is with a $25,000 donation, and demanded Rabhan do the same.
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On Instagram, Roan tagged the writer and asked, “Wanna match $25k to donate to struggling dropped artists?” She then revealed the name of her publicity team and ended the post with “Let’s talk,” promising to share receipts of her donation. “In the meantime, here are some artists that deserve more love and a bigger platform,” she added in a new post, sharing the profiles of hemlocke springs, Sarah Kinsley, Devon Again, and Baby Storme.
Rabhan has not yet commented on Roan’s request, but she has promised to keep followers informed “on the much awaited response.” “I love how in the article you said ‘put your money where your mouth is,’” she added on Instagram. “Let’s link and build together and see if you can do the same.”
The overall plea for industry reform stemmed from many of Roan’s experiences after being dropped by her label early in her career: “Because I got signed so young, I got signed as a minor, and when I got dropped, I had zero job experience under my belt,” she told the audience at the Grammys, a vulnerable moment Rabhan described as the artist “broadcasting naïveté and taking aim at the very machine that got her there.”
Despite Rabhan’s reaction, the speech resonated with many viewers, including fellow artist Halsey. “I hope you’re embarrassed of the absolute personal attack you’ve ran and disguised as critical journalism,” the singer shared to their 31 million Instagram followers. “Jeff Rabhan’s ranting, seething tantrum is loaded with accusations and assumptions that generalize the experience of every artist.”
Revisit Chappell Roan’s stellar performance of “Pink Pony Club” at the Grammys here.
Chappell Roan responds to former music executive Jeff Rabhan criticizing her #GRAMMYs speech demanding livable pay for artists:
“wanna match me $25k to donate to struggling dropped artists? […] I love how in the article you said “put your money where your mouth is” Genius !!!… pic.twitter.com/2fC1p4yrcZ
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 7, 2025
Chappell Roan shouts out smaller artists following response to former music executive Jeff Rabhan. pic.twitter.com/UVbUUhjgL3
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 7, 2025