It is easier to see predatory behaviour and abuse when it is in the public eye. Chappell Roan’s rapid rise to fame is one example.
On August 23, 2024, she released a statement on Instagram about her experiences with people who disguise exploitative behaviour as being “super fans.” Roan highlighted the need to set boundaries after uncomfortable interactions, emphasizing how society often expects female celebrities to tolerate unwanted attention.
In her post, she challenges readers who disagree with her to ask themselves “why am I so upset by this? Why is a girl expressing her fears and boundaries so infuriating?” This is an interesting question that begs the need to reflect on how women are perceived.
While being in the the public eye does not make talking about abuse easier, it does make the conversation more widespread. Having more people involved in this conversation paves the way for positive change.
Although celebrities are in unique positions, it doesn’t mean they should be subjected to nonconsensual experiences. But if a celebrity cannot come out and discuss abusive stalking behaviour without being attacked, questioned and criticized, then it makes sense everyday individuals will not feel they can do so either.
Some people argue that celebrities chose fame, therefore they put themselves in these harmful experiences. The reality is no one is entitled to a person’s energy, time, or body, when women have historically been subjected to these expectations most frequently.
According to the Government of Canada, women account for 79 per cent of the 107,810 people in Canada who reported suffering intimate partner violence in 2019. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is psychological, physical, or sexual harm in a relationship. It can occur at any time during a relationship, even after the relationship has ended.
Arguably, abuse cannot be ended without the victim’s story.
When a celebrity is victim to a situation of abuse, it is talked about. Whether they are a victim of stalking, assault, or abuse, we make sure their stories are heard. Headlines are made, interviews are conducted, but what happens when individuals who are not household names become victims? Where is their representation in society?
A broader conversation is needed to bring awareness to those who are underrepresented.
When stories of abuse are easy to observe when they come from celebrities, it makes for a broader conversation. This still leaves a need for representation of everyday individuals who are victims to this abusive behaviour.
Celebrities and everyday individuals should have equal opportunities to share their stories. It is important that we remove stigma around abuse so these individuals can feel more confident reclaiming their experiences.
Ultimately, a person’s decision to become a celebrity should not impact the way they are treated as a human being.