Bowen Yang Addresses Backlash Over A Recent ‘SNL’ Impression
Bowen Yang seems to think the word “mock” is too strong of a verb.
The “Saturday Night Live” cast member drew backlash over the weekend for comparing Moo Deng — a very meme-able pygmy hippopotamus — to pop star Chappell Roan.
In the bit, which Yang performed on “Weekend Update,” Yang wears a hippo costume while channeling the “Hot to Go” singer — drawing a parallel between the two internet sensations who both happen to have some overzealous and entitled fans.
Many social media users were outraged by Yang’s bit, saying that the comparison was making a mockery of Roan’s plea to fans to stop harassing her. The Moo Deng impression also came a day after Roan canceled her appearance at the All Things Go festival in New York, telling fans on social media that “things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks” and that she needed “a few days to prioritize my health.”
On Sunday, Yang responded to the backlash via an Instagram Story.
“Oh geeez. mocks???” Yang began his response. “If my personal stance and the piece aren’t absolutely clear in terms of supporting her then 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…”
Although Yang wore a hippo costume in the sketch, it was very clear his Moo Deng was channeling the “Casual” singer.
Moo Deng became an immediate internet sensation shortly after her birth in a Thailand zoo in July, thanks to her very expressive face — and her penchants for biting her zookeepers and snapping at water blasting from hoses.
Roan shot to fame over the summer as well thanks to her hit single, “Goodluck, Babe,” and the release of her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.”
Moo Deng’s internet fame has spurred her fans to visit her at her zoo, with more ardent admirers throwing random items at her while she sleeps in the hopes that the hippo will wake up and respond with her beloved moxie — a move her zookeepers have warned is “dangerous.”
As Moo Deng, Yang complained about the hippo’s fans throwing “bananas and shellfish” at her by strongly referencing things Roan has said about her fans.
“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.
In August, Roan wrote something very similar in an Instagram post.
“When I’m on stage, when I’m performing ... I am at work. Any other circumstance, I am not in work mode,” Roan wrote. “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.”
Yang made several more references to Roan, prompting “Weekend Update” co-host Colin Jost to say at one point: “I have to say, Moo Deng, you know, your life sounds a lot like Chappelle Roan’s lately.”
In August, Yang spoke to Roan for a feature in Interview magazine. In the piece, Yang expresses admiration for the way Roan has been “honest about what the last few months have been like for you” and lets her know that he’s a huge fan.
“I have to tell you, your vinyl is in my living room, front and center, because it’s just so pretty,” Yang told Roan.
He added that her music “helped me through a lot of shit when I was fucking depressed” and told her that he even recommended her music to another pop star.
“I remember drinking a glass of wine with Ariana Grande … and being like, “You should get on Chappell Roan. She’s fucking awesome. Her live shows are incredible.”
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