Chappell Roan told to 'cheer up' by Boy George leaving people divided

Boy George has advised Chappell Roan to "cheer up' in a controversial comment that has since gone viral.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 'Karma Chameleon' hit-maker claimed his experience with the music industry has provided him with lessons that seemingly went amiss for the 'Good Luck, Babe' singer.

"It's probably not helpful but I have been doing this fame thing for a while and you learn slowly and painfully that you don't get a free pass once you turn yourself into a bird of paradise," George (real name George Alan O'Dowd) began.

"I watched @ChappellRoan filming the paps in Paris and I laughed because I have kicked off at them many times. The trick is to own your fame."

"Yes, it's annoying at time but so is being ignored and told your a 'has been'," the 64-year-old Brit continued.

George told Roan to 'cheer up' (Lorne Thomson/Redferns)

"Life is always now and I think Chappell looks great but cheer up girl. The world is at your feet stop kicking it!"

George concluded his passionate plea by noting, "It takes so much more time to say no to a picture or a signature.

"Boundaries are boring. Break them with the magic of kindness!"

Whilst US chart-topper Roan (real name Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) is yet to address her fellow musician's comments, a number of her fans have spoken out on her behalf.

And it's fair to say, many are displeased by George's lecture.

"I can't believe y'all are falling for this," one Reddit user hit out. "This is a man basically telling a woman to smile, cheer up, and ignore your boundaries."

Boy George shared a fiery statement online (X)

For reference, the latter remark references George's 2009 conviction for falsely imprisoning a male escort by handcuffing him to a wall and beating him with a metal chain, for which he served four months of a 15-month sentence.

Another hit out: "I was smiling at 'the world is at your feet, stop kicking it' and then this. Beg f*****g pardon?"

"'Boundaries are boring' is a terrible piece of advice," a third noted.

A fourth also wrote: "A man telling a woman boundaries are boring... how novel."

"Along the same line - his 'cheer up girl' is basically the equivalent of 'you should smile'," a fifth continued.

Roan was criticised by the Culture Club star (Alena Zakirova/Getty Images)

Another went on to joke "Some thoughts can be inside thoughts."

A number have defended the Culture Club star, however, insisting George had only been attempting to make life easier for Roan.

"To be fair, it's nicer than telling her that fame is a widely known monkey's paw and that she literally begged for this attention before she was famous," one pointed out.

The same user added: "We need more Lady Gagas, who understand the trade-off for success is privacy, and that you're more than welcomed to stay B or C-List and be left alone by everyone.

"Nobody's forcing you to do stadium tours and s**t."

The musician's comments have divided fans (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Another simply agreed: "I understand what he’s saying and think he kind of has a point….".

A third went on to confess: "Honestly I feel like anyone wanting to become famous has to know that this is something you’re gonna have to deal with. Does it make it right no, but if you (not Chappell just in general) literally asked to be world famous and well known, say goodbye to privacy.

"Also there's so many A lister celebs who are able to live their lives with minuscule paps all in their business. She's new she hasn't figured it out yet, plus she's hot commodity right now.

"Once she's a bit settled it'll stop on its own and she can maintain it better."