Reneé Rapp Addresses Public Perception of Her "Unhinged" Interview Conduct
Reneé Rapp, the actress and singer known for her roles in "Mean Girls" and "The Sex Lives of College Girls," has responded to the ongoing discussions surrounding her "unfiltered" and "unhinged" interview behavior. This debate gained traction during her press tour for the "Mean Girls" (2024) film adaptation and continues to spark varied reactions from the public.
Resurfaced Ziwe Interview Reignites Discussion
A TikTok video from Reneé Rapp's interview with Ziwe resurfaced on July 20, 2025, reigniting the conversation about her distinctive communication style. The video, posted by @ziwe, features Rapp's characteristic candid responses, prompting renewed commentary on her approach. Some commenters praised her honesty, while others described her remarks as "weird" or excessively unfiltered.
Vanity Fair's Lie Detector Test Showcases Rapp's Candor
Prior to this, on July 15, 2025, Rapp participated in Vanity Fair's "Lie Detector Test," where she maintained her candid persona. During the test, she answered questions about her fandom, potential future projects, and personal experiences, further solidifying her reputation for openness.
Key Moments and the "Mean Girls" Press Tour
The surge in viral interview moments for Reneé Rapp can be traced back to January 2024 during the "Mean Girls" press tour. She garnered significant attention for comments such as referring to a bus tour operator as an "a**hole" and expressing views on millennial women, which she later clarified as a reaction to feeling undermined by older individuals. Her forthright remarks about her personal life also contributed to the ongoing discussion.
The Ziwe Interview: A "Chaotic" Reinforcement of Her Image
In June 2025, an interview with Ziwe further cemented Rapp's reputation for speaking her mind. The interview was described as "chaotic" and "laugh-out-loud" unfiltered, with Rapp discussing her sexuality and her departure from "The Sex Lives of College Girls." This appearance reinforced her image as someone willing to share her thoughts without reservation.
Rapp's Perspective: "I Don't Really Think About It"
Reneé Rapp herself finds the "unfiltered" label "very weird" and claims she doesn't "really think about it." She questions what constitutes a "normal response" in interviews, suggesting that providing a "fluffy, nonsense answer" would be unbearable for her. She also posited that, as a journalist, overly polished answers would be frustrating because they wouldn't represent genuine conversation.
Parental Influence: Accountability and Accepting Mistakes
Rapp attributes her confidence in speaking freely to the values instilled by her parents. She explains that they encouraged her to be "accountable to yourself, to your friends, to people you don't know" and emphasized that "there's no shame in being wrong, necessarily," as long as she can maintain self-respect.
Addressing Ageism Accusations
In response to accusations of "ageism," Rapp defended herself by stating that these "allegations are literally—literally!—maybe my favorite thing I've ever done in my career. But also, in a non-joking way, they are derived from people belittling me." She elaborated that her comments stemmed from experiences where "older people [were] like, 'Well, stay in your place.' 'Aren't you cute!' You don't get to disrespect me just because we are different in age."
Public Reception: Praise for Authenticity vs. Criticism for Rudeness
Public reaction to Rapp's interview style is divided. Many, particularly younger fans, celebrate her as "real," "unapologetic," and a "breath of fresh air." Her perceived authenticity resonates strongly on platforms like TikTok.
Conversely, others view her as rude, disrespectful, or lacking in media training. They argue that her candor sometimes crosses the line into unprofessionalism.
The Media Training Debate in the Age of Social Media
Rapp's behavior has ignited a broader discussion about the relevance and effectiveness of traditional media training for celebrities in the current social media landscape. Some argue that being "unhinged" can be perceived as the "new authentic," while others maintain that a degree of polish is still essential.
Potential Impact on Her Career
While Reneé Rapp's "unfiltered" approach has undoubtedly increased her visibility and appeal to a specific demographic, it also carries potential risks. It could alienate more traditional audiences or industry figures who favor a more conventional public image. However, at present, her candor seems to be a significant element of her brand and overall success.
