Tom Holland and Chappell Roan share something in common this week, and it’s not flaming red hair or launching a non-alcoholic drinks brand. It’s the (quite reasonable) desire for space and respect from the paparazzi.
This became evident on Thursday when Holland was promoting his new alcohol-free beer brand, Bero, while in New York with Zendaya.
The couple were picture-perfect in matching burgundy outfits as they stepped out of their car to a flurry of flashing bulbs.
When Zendaya stopped to sign photographs for fans, paparazzi quickly took the opportunity to crowd her, prompting Holland to ask them to “get out of f***ing way”. Holland then grabbed her hand and led her through the rapidly swarming crowd.
On their exit, Holland’s path was blocked by someone taking a photograph, prompting the actor to gently move them aside so he and Zendaya could pass.
The public response to Holland’s actions has been largely positive. “That’s a king right there,” wrote one user on X. “If he’s not protective like [Holland] I don’t want him,” said another.
say what you want about tom holland but he don’t play about zendaya 😭 pic.twitter.com/XB78UHWjqN
— ren ✾ (@F41RYTA1L) October 25, 2024
Meanwhile, popstar Chappell Roan, who has a history of calling out paparazzi, was on a similar warpath last night at Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS movie premiere.
Seeming to recognise a paparazzo from the Grammys after party, Roan said to him: “You were so disrespectful to me at the Grammys, you yelled at me at the Grammys party,” before asking him for an apology. She is eventually pulled back onto the red carpet by a member of staff and continues to pose for photos.
Roan also called out a member of the paparazzi at the VMAs this September when she heard him tell her to “shut the f*** up.” “You shut the f*** up,” she said, followed by, “Not me b*tch.”
Unlike many of Roan’s previous outspoken comments, which have provoked backlash and contempt, her comments towards the paparazzo are being generally received as fair and appropriate.
“They could never make me hate Chappell Roan I’m so serious,” said one X user. Another added: “I’m tired of celebs who pretends to be nice so they don't get any backlash from it, I love that she's not afraid of speaking her mind no matter what.”
chappell roan confronting the photographer that yelled at her. this icon pic.twitter.com/lmK02SCYXQ
— ً (@americanreqiuem) October 26, 2024
Could Holland and Roan’s response to paparazzi invasion signal a shift in celebrity culture? With notorious nice guy (and actual Spiderman) Tom Holland physically confronting the paps, and Roan’s outspoken nature gaining wider support, perhaps the paparazzi will finally learn to take a step back.
