Bowen Yang Makes Fun of Chappell Roan on ‘SNL’

“Saturday Night Live’s” Bowen Yang poked fun at Chappell Roan and the last few rough months she’s had, including canceling her upcoming shows and not supporting a presidential candidate.

Yang, dressed as Moo Deng, the baby hippo that went viral this month, made an appearance on Weekend Update on Saturday. Moo Deng explained that she needs to set boundaries and that when she is in her enclosure, she is at work.

“Don’t call my name and expect a photo just because I’m your parasocial best friend or because you appreciate my talent,” Yang said as Moo Deng.

It was a clear reference to an Instagram post Roan made in August in which she wrote: “When I’m on stage, when I’m performing… I’m at work.” Under any other circumstances, I’m not Working mode. … I don’t agree with the idea that I owe people I don’t know, don’t trust, or who scare me a reciprocal exchange of energy, time, or attention—simply because they express admiration.”

Moo Deng also stated, “I am your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo,” a reference to what Roan once said on stage during a concert: “I am your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”

Moo Deng went on to say that she’s been approached by brands, but “I’ll only stand behind products I believe in” – similar to how Roan told Rolling Stone that she’s “saying no to every damn brand deal right now.”

After several allusions to Roan from Moo Deng, Weekend Update co-host Colin Jost admitted that Moo Deng’s life sounded similar to Roan’s. Moo Deng told me to stop harassing her and Roan before finally adding that she would not support any presidential candidate.

A week ago, Roan said on TikTok that while she planned to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in November, she couldn’t support her because of the left’s “transphobic and outright genocidal views.”

Roan received backlash for this stance and a few days later she canceled her appearance at the All Things Go festival in New York City and Washington, DC, which was scheduled to take place this weekend.

“Things have become overwhelming over the last few weeks and I’m really feeling it,” Roan wrote on Instagram. “I’m feeling pressure to prioritize a lot of things at the moment and I need a few days to prioritize my health. I want to be present at my performances and give the best show possible. Thank you for your understanding.”

Yang’s impression sparked some outrage, with some fans claiming he was making fun of Roan. On Sunday morning, Yang fought back.

“Oh my God. Taunts???” Yang wrote on his Instagram story. “If my personal stance and this piece aren’t entirely clear about support for her, then I guess it is. Everything she’s ever asked for has been reasonable, and even then we can relate it to another story about boundaries or whatever. I need the hose, rn…”

Roan is scheduled to be the musical guest of “SNL” on the Nov. 2 episode with host John Mulaney.

Related…