Bowen Yang Clarifies Support for Chappell Roan Following SNL Backlash

Bowen Yang Clarifies Support for Chappell Roan Following SNL Backlash

Bowen Yang, a cast member of Saturday Night Live, has clarified his support for emerging pop star Chappell Roan after facing backlash from her fans regarding a recent sketch. The controversy arose from Yang’s Weekend Update performance as the viral baby pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng, in which he referenced Roan’s previous comments about maintaining boundaries with intrusive fans.

After receiving criticism from Roan’s fiercely protective fanbase, as well as messages of understanding and support online, Yang took to Instagram on Sunday to address the situation.

“Oh geez. ‘Mocks’??? If my personal stance and the piece aren’t absolutely clear in terms of supporting her, then there it is, I guess,” Yang wrote, responding to a headline that characterized his portrayal as a mockery of Roan’s stance against toxic fan behavior following her rapid rise to fame.

Yang emphasized, “Everything she has ever asked for has been reasonable, and even then, we can connect it to another story about boundaries or whatever.” He humorously referenced a moment from his sketch where he was sprayed in the face with water, adding, “Needing the hose rn.”

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to representatives for Roan for additional comments.

During the season 50 premiere of SNL, hosted by Jean Smart, Yang delivered standout performances in various sketches, including a portrayal of J.D. Vance and a role as Charli XCX. In his Weekend Update segment as Moo Deng, he humorously discussed the importance of setting boundaries with zoo visitors encroaching on her personal space.

“Reminder: women owe you nothing. When I’m in my enclosure, tripping over stuff and biting my trainer’s knee, I am 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 stated, also referencing Roan’s iconic comment about RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Colby.

Recently, Roan announced the cancellation of her performances at the All Things Go Festival, citing the need to prioritize her health. “I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now, and I need a few days to focus on my well-being,” the 26-year-old shared in a social media post.

Bowen Yang Clarifies Support for Chappell Roan Following SNL Backlash

Earlier this year, Roan called out fans for invading her personal space, stating, “If you’re still asking, ‘Well, if you didn’t want this to happen, then why did you choose a career where you knew you wouldn’t be comfortable with the outcome of success?’ — understand this: I embrace the success of the project, the love I feel, and the gratitude I have. What I do not accept are creepy people, being touched, and being followed.”

In August, Roan and Yang had a candid conversation for Interview magazine, where Roan expressed gratitude for Yang’s support. “A lot of people only take me seriously because people like you validate that I’m important,” she said. “I’m very grateful that you’ve enthusiastically supported me in a fun way, like you’ve talked about my mythology, my story. That is something that I don’t get a lot of.”

Watch Yang’s portrayal of Roan as Moo Deng in the SNL clip above.

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