Chappell Roan Calls Out Billboard for Reporting Management Split

On November 9, Billboard announced queer pop queen Chappell Roan split from her management through an article and Instagram post. Roan responded to the news with a comment saying “Yall suck for this.” This furthers the conversation around artists, boundaries, and reporting in the music world.

According to Billboard, Roan cut ties with her management company State of the Art, or SOTA, along with her personal manager Nick Bobetsky. This was confirmed by unnamed sources, reports Billboard. The artist still appears to be signed to her record label, Island Records. Roan responded to Billboard‘s Instagram post about the split, commenting “Yall suck for this.” This implies a breech of privacy on Roan’s behalf.

Not only does this announcement follow her impressive six Grammy nominations—including for Best New Album and Best New Artist—but it also comes after her year of boundary setting. Earlier this year, she spoke to Drew Afualo about the stressors of fame. She says, “I pumped the brakes on, honestly, anything to make me more known.” She also states that her persona as Chappell Roan is just that—a persona. Still, so-called fans break past the boundary between fan and artist, leading to incidents where she is stalked and harassed.

Her reaction to Billboard’s reporting falls in line this pattern. However, it is standard in the music industry to report on management dealings. In December 2023, Billboard reported that Lizzy McAlpine and others leaving the management company Godmode. It is unclear, then, if this practice should continue, or if it is truly a breech of privacy.

Still, the internet has its sides. Commenters besides Roan allege that Billboard was trying to disrupt or “ruin” her Grammy nominations. Others call her toxic and a diva for her reaction and past behavior.

Photo courtesy of Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency