Bowen Yang Pokes Fun At Chappell Roan On ‘SNL’

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

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

“Do not yell my name or expect a photo just because I’m your parasocial bestie 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 am at work. Any other circumstance, I am not in work mode. … I don’t agree with the notion that I owe a mutual exchange of energy, time, or attention to people I do not know, do not trust, or who creep me out―just because they’re expressing admiration.”

Moo Deng also declared, “I’m your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo,” a reference to what Roan once said onstage during a concert, “I’m your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”

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

After Moo Deng’s several references to Roan, Weekend Update co-host Colin Jost admitted that Moo Deng’s life sounded similar to Roan’s. Moo Deng said to stop harassing her and Roan before finally adding that she will not make an endorsement for a presidential candidate.

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

Roan received backlash for that stance, and a few days later, she canceled her All Things Go festival appearance in New York City and Washington, D.C., that was supposed to take place this weekend.

“Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” Roan wrote on Instagram. “I feel pressure to prioritise a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritise my health. I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible. Thank you for understanding.”

Yang’s impression sparked a bit of outrage, with some fans claiming he was mocking Roan. On Sunday morning, Yang pushed back.

“Oh geez. Mocks???” Yang wrote on his Instagram story. “If my personal stance and this piece aren’t absolutely clear in terms of supporting her than there it is I guess. Everything she has ever asked for has been reasonable and even then we can connect it to another story about boundaries or whatever. Needing the hose rn…”

Roan is set to be “SNL’s” musical guest for the Nov. 2 episode with host John Mulaney.