At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan clinched the Best New Artist title and used her acceptance speech to advocate for record labels to provide artists with livable wages and healthcare.
She emphasized the industry's responsibility towards developing artists, stating, "Labels, we got you, but do you got us?"
In response, music executive Jeff Rabhan criticized her remarks in an op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter, labeling her as "too uninformed to be the agent of change she aspires to be today."
Undeterred, Roan announced a $25,000 donation to support struggling artists and challenged Rabhan to match her contribution. She took to Instagram, stating, "Mr. Rabhan, I love how in the article you said 'put your money where your mouth is.' Let's link and build together and see if you can do the same."
Rabhan responded by deflecting the challenge, suggesting the responsibility lies with other artists, not him.
Roan's proactive stance underscores her commitment to tangible change in the music industry, highlighting the need for better support systems for emerging artists.