Pop singer Chappell Roan has stated that she “does not hate children” after Jorginho, a former player for Chelsea and Arsenal, claimed that his family encountered “a deeply upsetting situation” involving her security staff.
On Saturday, Jorginho, who currently plays for Flamengo, shared an Instagram post detailing the incident. He explained that his wife and daughter were in Sao Paulo for the Lollapalooza music festival to see headliner Roan, a favorite of his daughter.
While enjoying breakfast in their hotel, the pair recognized Roan at a nearby table. Jorginho recounted that his daughter walked over to smile at Roan before returning to her seat.
“A large security guard approached their table and spoke very aggressively to my wife, Catherine Harding, and our daughter, accusing my wife of not preventing my daughter from ‘disrespecting’ or ‘harassing’ people,” Jorginho said.
“He even threatened to file a complaint with the hotel, leaving my 11-year-old daughter in tears,” Jorginho added. “She was extremely shaken and cried a lot.”
The Italian international emphasized that while he understands the importance of respect and boundaries in his career, the guard’s reaction was unwarranted. “What happened was just a child admiring someone,” he remarked. “It’s unfortunate to see this kind of treatment from those who should recognize the value of fans.” He further expressed his hope that the incident prompts reflection: “No one, especially not a child, should have to endure this.”
Jorginho also voiced his sentiments on social media, stating: “WITHOUT YOUR FANS, YOU WOULD BE NOTHING. AND TO THE FANS, SHE DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR AFFECTION.”
In response to the backlash, Roan released a video sharing her perspective on the incident. “What occurred today with a mother and child involved with a security guard—who is not my personal security—was misunderstood,” she explained.
“I do not harbor any negative feelings toward my fans or children. That’s absurd. I’m truly sorry to the mother and child if someone misinterpreted their actions and made them feel uncomfortable; you didn’t deserve that. I wasn’t even aware of their presence—no one approached me, and no one disturbed me.”
Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, has come to Jorginho’s defense, announcing on social media that he plans to prohibit Roan from performing in the city.