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Out pop singer Chappell Roan criticizes Joe Biden for not supporting “liberty, justice & freedom”

Her comments drew backlash from liberals and support from her fans.
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Chappell Roan performs the opening during Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Chappell Roan performs the opening during Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 9, 2024. Photo: Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lesbian pop singer Chappell Roan refused an invitation to perform at the White House for Pride Month because, she said, President Joe Biden has not been sufficiently supportive of “liberty, justice, and freedom for all.”

“As a response to the White House, who asked me to perform for Pride, we want liberty, justice, and freedom for all,” she said this weekend during a New York City performance. “When you do that, that’s when I’ll come.”

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“It really puts children at the center.”

Variety reports that a representative for Roan said that the White House reached out to her team about the potential performance and that they were rebuffed. The White House has not commented on the matter.

It’s not clear exactly what issue the singer was referring to in her comments. The Biden administration has many accomplishments under its belt when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality, many of which involve overturning policies put in place during the administration of former President Donald Trump.

She may have been referring to women’s rights or the war in Gaza. Elsewhere in the performance, she dressed as the Statue of Liberty and said, “I am in drag as the biggest queen of all.”

“But in case you had forgotten what’s etched on my pretty little toes, ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’ That means freedom in trans rights. That means freedom in women’s rights,” she said. “It especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories.”

On social media, people had varied reactions to her statement. Many people pointed out that if she actually cared about any of these issues, she would oppose Donald Trump’s bid for the White House. Her supporters, though, called her “the moment” and said they wanted to “stan immediately.”

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