During Saturday Night Live’s season premiere on September 28, cast member Bowen Yang parodied statements made by pop star Chappell Roan as the recently viral Moo Deng the Hippo. The sketch was met with mixed reactions and criticism from fans of the “Pink Pony Club” singer.
In the skit Yang, as Moo Deng, complains of harassment and addresses boundaries with fans. “Reminder, women owe you nothing,” Yang tells co-star Colin Jost during the skit. “When I’m in my enclosure, tripping over stuff, biting my trainer’s knee, I’m at work, that is the project. Do not yell my name or expect a photo just because I’m your parasocial bestie or because you appreciate my talent.”
Jost makes sure to clarify to the audience the Roan parody Yang is attempting, telling him: “your life sounds a lot like Chappell Roan’s lately” and responding “I don’t think she has a problem” when Yang, as Moo Deng, goes on to defend the popstar
Recently, Roan has been a topic of controversy surrounding a video in which she responds to and addresses obsessive behavior from fans. Roan is also facing criticism for refusing to endorse either presidential candidate. The backlash resulted in the pop star canceling her headlining set at the All Things Go music festival just two days before the performance.
Fans of the “Good Luck, Babe!” singer have taken to social media to address the controversy surrounding the sketch. One user on the platform X (formerly twitter) has said: “Two men mocking a woman’s mental health real nice.” Others have pointed out that the skit didn’t appear to be mocking Roan and that the sketch did not seem offensive at all.
Yang himself has had to address his stance on the issue. “If my personal stance and this piece aren’t absolutely clear in terms of supporting her then there it is I guess,” he wrote on his instagram story, clarifying that he was in support of the comments made by Roan referenced in the skit.
This comes just weeks before Roan herself is set to appear on the show as musical guest alongside host John Muluaney, however it is unknown if she will cancel because of the parody skit. Roan has reacted to the parody, commenting “hilarious.” on a video of the snl skit. It however is unknown if she is being sincere or sarcastic surrounding the sketch.
