At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan, honored as Best New Artist, used her acceptance speech to advocate for record labels to provide developing artists with livable wages and healthcare. Reflecting on her own experience of being dropped by a label during the pandemic, she emphasized the need for better support systems within the industry.
In response, former music executive Jeff Rabhan criticized Roan’s remarks in an op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter, labeling her perspective as “misinformed” and suggesting she lacked sufficient industry experience to drive such change.
Undeterred, Roan took to Instagram, pledging $25,000 to support struggling artists who have been dropped by their labels. She challenged Rabhan to match her donation, stating, “My publicist is @biz3publicity let’s talk.” Roan also used her platform to highlight emerging artists deserving of greater recognition, sharing their profiles with her followers.
Fellow musician Halsey defended Roan, criticizing Rabhan’s op-ed for generalizing the artist experience and overlooking the diverse realities within the industry. Halsey emphasized the importance of providing artists with basic means to live while they create their art.
This exchange has ignited a broader conversation about the responsibilities of record labels in supporting their artists, especially those in the early stages of their careers.
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