Bowen Yang is making it clear that he stands firmly in support of Chappell Roan following a sketch that aired during the season 50 premiere of Saturday Night Live on September 28. In this episode, Yang portrayed Moo Deng, a viral baby pygmy hippo, during the “Weekend Update” segment. The sketch included complaints that closely mirrored Roan’s recent comments about her struggles with privacy as her fame skyrockets.
The day after the episode aired, Yang took to his Instagram Stories to address media interpretations of the sketch. He shared a screenshot of a news headline reading, “SNL Mocks Chappell Roan as Bowen Yang’s Moo Deng Takes on Crazy Fans.” Yang expressed his discontent with the coverage, writing, “Oh geeez,” followed by a more pointed statement: “If my personal stance and the piece aren’t absolutely clear in terms of supporting then there it is I guess. Everything she has ever asked for has been reasonable.”
Yang’s defense emphasized that Roan’s requests for privacy and boundaries are not only valid but essential. He noted the importance of connecting her experiences to broader conversations about personal boundaries and respect.
During the sketch, Yang donned a full hippo costume to embody Moo Deng. He described the overwhelming attention he has received since becoming a viral sensation, stating, “I’ve been running around nonstop,” but asserted the need to set boundaries: “Reminder: women owe you nothing.” This statement echoed a sentiment expressed by Roan, who has been vocal about her desire for privacy.
In the sketch, Yang urged fans not to yell his name or demand photos, declaring Moo Deng to be “your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo.” This line mirrored Roan’s self-identification as “your favorite artist’s favorite artist,” a phrase she used during her performance at Coachella earlier this year.
Colin Jost, a co-anchor on “Weekend Update,” acknowledged the parallels between Yang’s character and Roan’s situation, asking, “Your life sounds a lot like Chappell Roan’s lately. Do you know Chappell Roan?” Yang responded humorously, “I’m 10 weeks old, Colin. Of course I know Chappell Roan.” He then made a strong statement in support of the singer, urging viewers to give her the space and time she needs for her mental health: “And by the way — leave her alone. Let her take as much time as she needs for her mental health. We both deserve patience and grace, so stop harassing her and stop throwing shellfish at her.”
Just a day before the SNL premiere, Roan had announced on her Instagram that she would be stepping back from her performances at the All Things Go Music Festival in New York City and Columbia, Maryland, citing the overwhelming pressures of fame. “Things have gotten overwhelming in the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” she wrote, adding that she needed a few days to prioritize her health.
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In recent months, Roan has been candid about the difficulties of managing her sudden rise to fame. In an interview with The Face, she described the increasingly invasive behavior of fans, noting that she might consider quitting music if the situation becomes too dangerous. “It’s dangerous now, and I’m still going. But that part is not what I signed up for,” she said. She further elaborated, comparing the behavior of some fans to the dynamics of an abusive relationship: “The vibe of this — stalking, talking s— online, [people who] won’t leave you alone, yelling at you in public — is the vibe of an abusive ex-husband. That’s what it feels like. I didn’t know it would feel this bad.”
The controversy surrounding Yang’s sketch and Roan’s struggles highlights the challenges faced by rising stars in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning their personal boundaries and mental health. As Yang continues to advocate for Roan, both comedians are navigating the complexities of fame in a world where privacy is increasingly hard to come by.
Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC, and as the show continues into its landmark 50th season, discussions about the responsibilities of public figures and the treatment of artists are likely to remain at the forefront of cultural conversations.
