Mariah Carey has expressed her support for Chappell Roan amid the singer’s struggles with fame, acknowledging that there are moments when being in the limelight is “not fun.” Roan recently opened up about her battle with severe depression, attributing her mental health challenges to the intense pressures that accompany her rapid rise to stardom.

In a candid interview with The Guardian, Roan shared the difficulties she faces as a new celebrity, revealing that everyday activities now require her to “book security” to navigate public spaces without fear of being stalked or harassed. Her experiences resonate with Carey, who has faced similar obstacles throughout her successful career.

When asked for advice for young artists like Roan during an interview with the Associated Press, Carey reflected on her own journey. “I’ve been through my share of dramas, and it’s not fun because you grow up thinking, ‘I want to be famous,’” she said, emphasizing the importance of genuine passion for music over the pursuit of fame.

Roan has been open about her negative encounters with extreme fan behavior, describing fame as akin to “an abusive ex-husband.” In an interview with The Face, she voiced her frustration over the normalization of invasive fan behavior, including online harassment and public confrontations, stating, “I didn’t know it would feel this bad.”

Several female artists, including Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus, have defended Roan against the backlash she faced on social media. Carey concluded her advice by urging young performers to enter the industry out of love for their craft, not the desire for fame. “If it’s like, ‘I want to be famous. I want to run around with those people, whoever they are,’ then it’s probably not the best idea,” she cautioned.

Due to her mental health struggles, Roan has decided to prioritize self-care, leading her to withdraw from planned performances at the All Things Go Festival in New York City and Washington, D.C. In an Instagram story, she explained that she needed time to focus on her health after feeling overwhelmed in recent weeks.

As discussions about the mental health of artists gain traction, both Mariah Carey and Chappell Roan highlight the significance of addressing the pressures that come with fame.