Just ask Chappell Roan, the rising pop star who Boy George recently contacted to offer some advice. This occurs in the wake of her dramatic confrontation with paparazzi in Paris. Boy George Born George Alan O’Dowd, Boy George started his career long before the ‘80s. He praised Roan’s fucked up attitude about fame, he told Roan to “stay positive ho” and appreciated that such an attitude would be necessary in the celebrity game.
Chappell Roan, who was born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, has quickly ascended the pop music charts with hits like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Hot to Go!”. Yet her meteoric surge has not come without adversity. Just recently, she took to social media to complain about aggressive paparazzi and fans who slam into her private areas. During the stroller-jacking episode at a Paris restaurant, she confronted paparazzi as well as her fans with autograph books who hounded her to no end.
Given all of these issues, Boyd George has expressed concern over Roan’s attitude in the public eye. He noted that while she looks great, a more positive attitude might serve her well in navigating the complexities of fame. Since 1987, Boy George has recorded 19 studio albums, both with Culture Club and as a soloist. He should know — there’s no one more aware of the pressures of being in the limelight than him.
Roan is an indefatigable advocate for artists’ deserved, livable wage. Perhaps more importantly, he shines a critical lens on the often exploitative nature of celebrity culture. She’s publicly shamed “creepy” fans who cross her personal space, underlining the issue of personal boundaries and the right to respect. This advocacy matches up with her honest statements regarding the suffocating culture of scrutiny born out of 24/7 media attention.
Boy George’s experience on reality television shows such as “Project Runway All Stars” and “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” has shaped his perspective on fame. His lessons learned could offer important trail markers for Roan as she keeps traversing her new and developing career path.
