Chappell Roan appearance in 'Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special' sparks mixed reactions

Chappell Roan's role in the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special has provoked varied opinions — given her recent public confrontations.

In the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special — released on Disney+ on Tuesday (March 24) — Roan, aged 28, makes a surprise appearance, paying tribute to Miley Cyrus for blazing a trail for female musicians.

"You literally set the stage so I could thrive. What I do on stage, the freedom I experience on the red carpet, is because of you," said Roan, who has had encounters with paparazzi and fans previously.

"I was totally surprised by that," Cyrus, 33, replied in the pre-recorded segment.

"You absorbed so much criticism back in 2012, 2013," the "Pink Pony Club" artist continued. 

"I’m not facing it to the same extent because you bore the brunt of it. Watching you grow as an artist and acknowledge your journey shows your heart and respect for the paths you’ve travelled."

At the premiere at El Capitan Theatre on Monday, March 23, which PEOPLE attended, Roan’s remarks about blazing trails elicited mixed reactions from those present — with some uncomfortable chuckles and even a few audible sighs.

This reaction followed Roan being accused of allegedly prompting a security guard to accuse soccer player Jorginho's daughter of harassment during their shared time at a São Paulo hotel.

The day after, Roan (born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) explained her perspective regarding the incident on her Instagram Stories.

"I want to share my version of events regarding the encounter today involving a mother, her child, and a security team, who are not my personal guards," Roan started in her video.

"I didn’t notice a woman and a child. I wasn’t approached or disturbed," she explained further. "While having breakfast at my hotel, I believe those individuals were also staying there."

She clarified that she "did not request the security officer to interact with this mother and child." The "California" performer added: "They didn’t approach me or cause any disruption."

Roan also addressed online jokes about the event, emphasizing she doesn’t "dislike music fans. I have no ill will toward children."

"I apologise to the mother and child if assumptions led to discomfort, which truly saddens me. You both deserve better," she expressed.

Later, in a statement released to theDaily Mail on Monday, March 23, Roan's representative said she holds "no tolerance" toward "assertive behavior" aimed at her supporters.

This follows a sequence of comparable experiences for Roan. Recently, in March, she was met by a gathering of photographers and fans outside a dining venue, and recorded herself highlighting their "intrusive" conduct.