No, Bowen Yang Was Not Mocking Chappell Roan on Saturday Night Live

Did you think Bowen Yang, a self-professed Chappell Roan supporter, was making fun of the pop star on the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live? If so, his response is simple: good luck, babe!

During the NBC sketch series’ 50th season opener, Yang dropped by Weekend Update dressed as Moo Deng, TikTok’s favorite viral baby hippo. “For the past 10 weeks, I have been going nonstop. Running around, eating lettuce, trying to bite the water from a hose,” Yang as Deng began. “The response has been overwhelming, but it has come to the point where I need to set some boundaries.”

“Reminder: women owe you nothing,” he continued. “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.”

Yang’s remarks invoked remarks Roan made in August—where she called certain fan interactions “creepy” and “invasive”—as well as her recent appearance at the MTV VMAs, where the singer called out a photographer on the red carpet, telling them, “You shut the fuck up, not me, bitch.”

After Yang’s Moo Deng referred to himself as “your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo”—a nod towards Roan calling herself “your favorite artist’s favorite artist”—Weekend Update’s Colin Jost asked Moo Deng if he was aware of the pop star. “I’m 10 weeks old, Colin. Of course I know Chappell Roan,” Yang retorted. “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!”

Some perceived Yang’s commentary on Roan to be critical, including the writer of a now-changed Variety headline that originally said the sketch “mocks” the “Casual” singer. “Oh geez. Mocks???” Yang wrote alongside a screenshot of the original article shared to his Instagram Story on Sunday. “If my personal stance and this piece aren’t absolutely clear in terms of supporting her than there it is I guess.”

The comedian, who told Roan “I fucking love you” while interviewing her earlier this year, continued on Instagram, “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…”

Since the runaway success of her breakout album The Rise & Fall of a Midwest Princess, Roan has publicly shared her struggles with the spotlight. After receiving backlash for recent comments she made about the 2024 election and not feeling “pressured to endorse someone,” the 26-year-old confirmed, “Yeah, I’m voting for fucking Kamala [Harris].” Days later, Roan canceled her co-headlining performances at the All Things Go music festival, writing on social media: “I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health,” Roan added. “I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible. Thank you for understanding. Be back soon xox.”

Ironically enough, during his interview with Roan—who will be the musical guest on the November 2 episode of SNL—Yang told the singer: “I hope you feel rewarded for being honest about what the last few months have been like for you.” Roan’s response: “I’ve just gotten to the point where I have to stop lying to myself that this is—”

At that moment, Yang interjected: “Easy?”

“Yeah,” Roan replied.