Pop artist Chappell Roan has stated that she “does not dislike children” in reaction to former Chelsea and Arsenal player Jorginho’s assertion that his family experienced “a deeply distressing incident” involving her security personnel.
Jorginho, currently with Flamengo, shared an Instagram story on Saturday detailing that his wife and daughter were in Sao Paulo for the Lollapalooza music festival to see the headlining Roan, whom his daughter greatly admires.
The midfielder recounted that his wife and daughter were having breakfast at a hotel when they noticed Roan dining at a nearby table, and his enthusiastic daughter simply walked past her, smiled, and returned to her seat.
“A large security guard approached their table while they were still eating and began speaking in a very aggressive tone to both my wife [Catherine Harding] and my daughter, stating that she shouldn’t permit my daughter to ‘disrespect’ or ‘harass’ others,” Jorginho explained.
“He even mentioned he would lodge a complaint against them with the hotel, while my 11-year-old daughter sat there in tears.
“My daughter was extremely upset and cried a lot.”
The Italy international noted that he has also garnered significant attention throughout his career and understands the importance of respect and boundaries, but deemed this reaction unacceptable.
“What occurred there was not that. It was merely a child admiring someone,” Jorginho remarked.
“It is disheartening to witness this type of treatment from those who should recognize the significance of fans.
“I genuinely hope this serves as a moment for reflection. No one should have to endure this, especially not a child.”
Jorginho also took to social media to say: “WITHOUT YOUR FANS, YOU WOULD BE NOTHING. AND TO THE FANS, SHE DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR AFFECTION.”
Roan has since replied with a video sharing her “half of the story” following the backlash on social media.
“What transpired today with a mother and child involved with a security guard who is not my personal security,” Roan stated.
“I do not harbor animosity towards those who are fans of my music. I do not dislike children. That is absurd.
“I apologize to the mother and child if someone assumed something, and if you felt uncomfortable, that truly saddens me. You did not deserve that.
“I didn’t even notice. I didn’t even see a woman and a child. No one approached me. No one disturbed me.”
Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, has come to Jorginho’s defense, posting on X that he plans to prohibit the singer from performing in his city.
