Bowen Yang Claps Back at Notion He Mocked Chappell Roan on SNL With Moo Deng Sketch
Bowen Yang is saying N-O-T-O to people saying he was putting down Chappell Roan.
The Saturday Night Live star cleared the air about his viral bit from the season 50 premiere on Sept. 28, where he dressed as baby hippo Moo Deng and made callbacks to the “Hot To Go” singer.
In a message shared to social media, Bowen responded to an article that claimed he “mocked” Chappell.
“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,” he wrote on Instagram Sept. 29 over a screenshot of the article. “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…”
Bowen made an appearance alongside Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che during the show’s Sept. 28 episode dressed as the adorably slippery baby hippo Moo Deng. Taking her stance on boundaries, Bowne’s Moo Deng used some of Chappell’s famous lines to ask for a little respect while she’s on the job.
“Reminder: women owe you nothing,” Bowen said during the Weekend Update sketch. “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.”
He also made it clear that he was referencing the pop star directly when he made a call back to her famous tag line saying, “I’m your favorite hippos’ favorite hippo.”
Not to mention, Colin quipped to Moo Deng (as Bowen) that her “life sounds a lot like Chappell Roan’s lately.”
“Leave her alone,” Bowen added. “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…This is what society does: It puts young women on pedestals, only to knock them down with shellfish.”
SNL’s bit came shortly after Chapell announced that she was canceling her appearance at the All Things Go Music Festival that was held over the weekend in both New York City and Columbia, Md., one day before she was set to take the stage.
“I apologize to people who have been waiting to see me in NYC & DC this weekend at All Things Go, but I am unable to perform,” she wrote in an Instagram Story posted Sept. 27. “Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it.”
She continued, “I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health,” the 26-year-old continued. “I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible. Thank you for understanding. Be back soon xox.”
The “Pink Pony Club” singer is set to make her SNL debut as the musical guest on Nov. 2 alongside host John Mulaney.
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