Chappell Roan is facing backlash after a nail technician called out her team for requesting free nail sets in exchange for "tagging and credit" just two days before a major tour deadline. The controversy erupted after Holly Muniz (@hollywiththegoodnails) took to Instagram following the 2025 Grammys, where Roan spoke about the importance of livable wages for artists.
In her Instagram story, Muniz criticized the irony of Roan advocating for fair pay while her team allegedly sought free labor.
"I find it ironic that Chappell Roan called for livable wages for artists at the Grammys but didn’t want to pay for multiple nail sets, giving only 2 days’ notice to create them. That exposure would be the payment. Strange."
She continued, emphasizing that artists like herself deserve to be paid for their time and craft:
"Free nails are never free—we spend hours and hours on our craft, and exposure pays zero bills."
Photo: Instagram/@hollywiththegoodnails
To support her claims, Muniz shared email exchanges from Roan’s team, including a message from Alexandria Smith, who reached out on behalf of Chappell Roan and stylist Genesis Webb.
The email, dated May 10, 2024, requested press-on nail sets for Roan’s headline tour, stating that the nails would receive credit and tagging in exchange for the work.
"We were wondering if you would gift any sets for tagging and credit. Last tour was covered by Vogue and Nylon, so we expect press."
Muniz declined the request adding that, she did not hear back from them.
She further stated that the tight deadline (falling on Mother’s Day) was unrealistic, reinforcing her stance that artists deserve fair compensation.
Photo: Instagram/@hollywiththegoodnails
The situation has sparked a larger discussion about artists and fair pay, with many calling out the contradiction between Roan’s public stance and her team’s alleged actions.
The controversy comes a few days after the 2025 Grammys where Roan was awarded as the winner of the 'Best New Artist' category. The singer was widely hailed for her acceptance speech in which she advocated for the trans community and better treatment of artists by their music labels.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ