‘SNL’ Mocks Chappell Roan While Bowen Yang’s Moo Deng Takes on Crazy Fans

During the “Weekend Update” segment of “SNL,” Bowen Yang transformed into Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand who has become a viral sensation in recent weeks. Yang used the moment to draw parallels between the hippopotamus and pop superstar Chappell Roan.

“Weekend Update” host Colin Jost noted that visitors began throwing bananas and shellfish at internet star Moo Deng in her zoo enclosure to get the hippo’s attention. “Here comes Moo Deng to comment,” Jost said as Yang slid over in full costume. Sharing the hippo’s busy schedule, he said: “For the last ten weeks I have been traveling non-stop. Walking around, eating salad, trying to bite the water out of a hose.”

Moo Deng compared her experience to that of Roan, who recently announced that she needed to take a break from performing and focus on her health. “It’s gotten to the point where I need to set some boundaries,” Yang told Jost and Michael Che.

Yang added, “As a reminder, women don’t owe you anything. If I trip over things in my enclosure and bite my trainer’s knee, I’m at work. This is the project. Don’t call my name or expect a photo just because I’m your parasocial best friend or because you appreciate my talent.”

When Jost asked what Moo Deng’s talent was, Yang replied: “Having a supple body that bounces. Colin, before me the only hippos in the media were either Hungry (Hippos, the board game) or Jada Pinkett Smith in Madagascar. But now I’m your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo,” he said, referencing a joke with Chappell Roan fans. (Roan has described herself as “your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”)

“It must be so stressful when the whole world is watching you,” Jost said. Yang agreed, saying, “Honestly, sometimes I feel like I live my life in a cage, like an animal trapped in a zoo for people to look at.” Jost quipped, “Well, exactly that are you.”

Jost noted, “Your life lately is a lot like Chappell Roan. Do you know Chappell Roan?” Moo Deng replied: “I’m 10 weeks old, Colin, of course I know Chappell Roan. By the way, leave her alone. Give her as much time as she needs for her mental health… that’s what society does. It puts young women on a pedestal only to then beat them down with shellfish.”

Moo Deng then announced that she would not be making an endorsement in the presidential election (another reference to Roan, who was criticized for not endorsing a candidate).

Roan will make her own “Saturday Night Live” debut on November 2nd, when she will appear as the musical guest with John Mulaney as host.

Roan, who shot to fame this year with songs like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Hot to Go!” recently made headlines for their comments about “entitled” and “creepy” fans stalking and harassing them. Earlier this week, she released a video statement defending her stance on not supporting a presidential candidate, saying there were “issues on both sides.” A day later, she further clarified her stance, saying she was voting “for fucking Kamala” because “fuck Trump” but also “fuck the shit that happened in the Democratic Party.” The next day, Roan canceled her appearances at the All Things Go music festivals in New York and Washington, DC, writing in a statement: “I cannot perform. Things have become overwhelming over the last few weeks and I’m really feeling it.”

“I’m feeling pressure 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 at my performances and give the best show possible. Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be back soon xox.”