Chappell Roan Defends Grammys Speech, Challenges Exec to Match Donation

Chappell Roan faced criticism from music executive Jeff Rabhan following her acceptance speech for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys, where she advocated for record labels to provide livable wages and healthcare for artists. While her speech received applause from the audience, Rabhan branded her comments as 'misguided rhetoric' and accused her of being 'wildly misinformed' due to her own success in the industry. In response, Chappell challenged Rabhan to match her $25,000 donation to support struggling artists, emphasizing the need for labels to treat musicians as valuable employees. She shared her personal struggles after being dropped by her label, highlighting the lack of support and healthcare she faced. Rabhan countered her argument by questioning the accountability of artists and asserting that no one forces them into contracts, urging Chappell to take action rather than just speak out. The ongoing debate reflects tensions within the music industry regarding artist welfare and the responsibilities of record labels.