Hotel Clash? The Chappell Roan Security Controversy Explained

Back in 2024, Chappell Roan issued a detailed statement setting boundaries on how she would engage with her growing fame. She stated that when she is on stage, performing, or in press sessions, she is working. In any other circumstance, she is not in work mode. This message was meant to set boundaries with fans and spectators who felt entitled to her space or attention. Roan hired security because of a stalker, even though she found it a lame necessity.

Since then, she has been characterized as an abrasive and difficult pop star by some critics. Noah Kahan and Doja Cat came to Roan's defense after the singer clashed with paparazzi and autograph scalpers in Paris. Kahan noted that these interactions warp the perception of an artist's intentions. This is precisely why Roan's latest debacle escalated to a series of conflicting videos and statements.

Brazilian soccer player Jorginho accused Roan of sending her security guard to confront his wife, Catherine Harding, and 11-year-old stepdaughter during breakfast at a São Paulo hotel. According to Jorginho, the stepdaughter, whose father is actor Jude Law, walked past Roan's table to confirm it was her, smiled, and went back to her seat. The statement alleged that a "large security guard" then approached the table in an aggressive manner to tell his wife that she should not allow her daughter to "disrespect" other people. The stepdaughter allegedly left in tears.

The story quickly went viral. Some online users felt vindicated, while others insisted it was a misunderstanding. Roan, for her part, stated that she was unaware of what happened.

Roan posted an Instagram video denying having seen the woman and the child, and that no one had bothered her. She also responded to Jorginho's statements, saying that she does not hate her music fans or children. She issued an apology to the girl and her mother. Although she maintained that she did not instruct the security guard involved to confront them, she felt bad that someone would assume something. She added that if they felt uncomfortable, it made her sad.

The apology didn't completely quell the fire. Harding issued her own statement, acknowledging that the singer clarified that it was not her personal security guard who approached their table, but stated that the security guard was not from the hotel. Harding left some responsibility with Roan, saying that a celebrity has a responsibility to ensure that the people who work for her act on her behalf.

Security guard Pascal Duvier issued a statement denying the accusations and calling them defamatory. Duvier claimed that he did not act on behalf of Chappell Roan, but for another individual, and that his actions were misinterpreted. He disputed Harding's account, saying that his interaction with the mother was calm and with good intentions. He claimed he acted based on information obtained from the hotel and on security risks.

Duvier was previously employed as security for Kim Kardashian. In 2018, he and his security company, Protect Security, were named in a $6.1 million lawsuit filed by the reality star's insurance company. American International Group alleged that Duvier and Protect Security negligently performed the protection of Kardashian when she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris in 2016. All parties settled the suit in 2020.