Noah Kahan Defends Chappell Roan for Confronting VMAs Photographer: ‘Way to Stand Up for Yourself’

Noah Kahan may say that “I just like to play the victim,” but he’s not afraid to applaud fellow artist Chappell Roan for calling out unacceptable behavior.

Roan made headlines on the red carpet of the 2024 MTV VMAs Wednesday (Sept. 11), when she confronted a photographer who appeared to tell her to “shut the f–k up” when she turned away from the cameras for a moment. “You shut the f–k up!” the pop singer clapped back. “Not me, b—h.”

The “Stick Season” singer reposted a clip of the encounter on X, telling fans about his own less-than-ideal experiences with rude photographers throughout his career. “I’ll never forget leaving [the] Clive Davis [pre-Grammy gala] and the horrific s–t photographers and paparazzi or whatever were saying to me in front of my sweet mom who couldn’t believe it was actually happening,” Kahan wrote. “Love this @ChappellRoan way to stand up for yourself.”

When one fan remarked about a lack of professionalism from some photographers, Kahan was quick to respond, clarifying that “most I’ve interacted with are kind and professional.” However, he said the few who act poorly sour the whole experience. “There are some parasites who intentionally instigate confrontations with caring people who are there to live out a dream in order to further their own interests. Its so toxic and f–k them for that.”

Outside of the red carpet, Roan had a big night at the VMAs. Along with stunning the audience with a Joan of Arc-inspired performance of her hit song “Good Luck, Babe,” Roan took home the evening’s trophy for best new artist. In her acceptance speech, Roan dedicated the award to the drag community, her fellow queer and trans artists and especially to the “queer kids in the Midwest” watching her. “I see you. I understand you, because I am one of you,” she said.

Read Kahan’s tweets below: