Chappelle Rowan took to TikTok on Tuesday to clarify statements she made about the 2024 election during an interview with The Guardian Last week, Rowan explained in a profile why she hasn't endorsed any presidential candidate yet, saying she “doesn't feel pressure to endorse anyone.”
The pop star's comments have been heavily criticised online, and when addressing the issue on social media on Tuesday, Rowan stressed that “there is nuance in what I say in interviews and I think it's important for people to use critical thinking.”
Rowan, who said November would be her third time voting, added that it was important for her to “question authority, question world leaders, question myself, question my algorithm, and question whether some of the people who tweeted something about someone else were real.”
“Her actions have always paved the way for my project and the people who really know me,” said the singer, who expressed her desire to “be part of the generation that changes things for the better.” She added: “Actions speak louder than words and actions speak louder than endorsements.”
In the TikTok video, Roan also read the full paragraph with her quote from The Guardian The advantage: “I have a lot of problems with our government in every way,” she says. “There are a lot of things I want to change. So I don’t feel pressured to endorse someone. There are problems on both sides. I encourage people to use their critical thinking skills, to use their voices — to vote small, to vote for what’s happening in your city.” She immediately says the change she wants to see in the United States this election year is “trans rights. They can’t let non-trans people make decisions for trans people, period.”
For those who are “still wondering,” Rowan continued in the video, “No, I will not be voting for Trump.”
“I will always question those in power and those who make decisions for others. I will stand up for what is right and what I believe in, and that is always at the forefront of my project,” she concluded. “I am sorry you fell for the temptation.”
In June, before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Kamala Harris, Rowan declined an offer to perform at the White House for a Pride Month event. “We want freedom, justice, and liberty for all,” she told the packed crowd at her historic Governor’s Ball. “When you do, I’ll be there.”
“Right now, it’s more important than ever to use your voice, and I will do whatever it takes to protect people’s civil rights, especially the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. Rolling Stone In August, she wrote about the cover story: “My morals and values will always be consistent with that, and that hasn’t changed with a different candidate. I feel fortunate to be alive during an incredibly historic time when a woman of color is running for president.”
