Miley Cyrus defends Chappell Roan for setting 'really hard' boundaries amid rise to fame

Miley Cyrus is standing by Chappell Roan and defending the up-and-coming music superstar.

In a Harper's Bazaar interview published Thursday, Cyrus weighed in on finding flexibility with fame, and the criticism Roan has faced during her breakout year in the music industry.

"I wish people would not give her a hard time," Cyrus told Harper's Bazaar about the "Pink Pony Club" singer. "It’s probably really hard coming into this business with phones and Instagram. That wasn’t always a part of my life, and I’m not a part of it now. I don’t even have my Instagram password."

In June, Roan took to TikTok to tell fans about how "the girls" are "supporting each other in the pop industry," adding that it impacted her "to have people I look up to reach out and offer like a friend or help" and "it's just sick and it makes me believe in the world."

A Rolling Stone article in September revealed that Cyrus invited Roan to a party while Sabrina Carpenter, who is also experiencing a breakout year, suggested they meet up and talk. Lady Gaga gave her number while Katy Perry offered advice and Hayley Williams of Paramore fame sent Roan a DM on social media, according to the article.

Cyrus also explained her fame in the video telling the magazine she feels she "can connect to people" and is "a friend to all."

"But because of how I’ve grown up, sometimes people make it harder," Cyrus added. "I can drop my persona really easily, but it’s hard for other people to erase that part of you."

Roan, who is one of the most nominated artists at next year's Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, came under fire earlier this year for scolding fans amid her rapid rise to fame. On Aug. 19, Roan posted two videos to TikTok — sporting a T-shirt and messy bun — addressing individuals who have exhibited "predatory behavior" toward her.

"If you saw a random woman on the street, would you yell at her from the car window? Would you harass her in public? Would you go up to a random lady and say, 'Can I get a photo with you?' and she's like, 'No, what the f**k?' and then you get mad at this random lady? Would you be offended if she says no to your time because she has her own time? Would you stalk her family? Would you follow her around?" she asked in the first video.

Chappell Roan wants privacy amid newfound fame, 'predatory' fan behavior. Here's why.

Roan continued: "Would you try to dissect her life and bully her online? This is a lady you don't know and she doesn't know you at all. Would you assume that she's a good person, assume she's a bad person?"

She continued airing out her frustrations in a follow-up video, explaining that even though these exhibitions of predatory behavior may be seen as "normal" for celebrities, she won't tolerate them.

"I don't care that this crazy type of behavior comes along the job, the career field I've chosen," she said at the time. "That does not make it okay. It doesn't mean I want it, doesn't mean that I like it. It's weird how people think that you know a person just because you see them online and then listen to the art they make. I'm allowed to say no to creepy behavior, okay?"

Contributing: Greta Cross, Springfield News leader

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miley Cyrus defends Chappell Roan for setting boundaries with fans