Fans React to Bowen Yang’s Clarification on Moo Deng SNL Skit Featuring Chappell Roan Backlash

Comedian Bowen Yang has addressed public backlash regarding his recent Moo Deng skit on Saturday Night Live (SNL). In this sketch, Yang portrayed Chappell Roan, referencing her challenges with fame and her interactions with fans. However, some viewers took offense, accusing the comedian of “mocking”Roan.

In his response, shared on Instagram on Sunday, September 29, 2024, Yang sought to clarify his intentions. He posted a screenshot of Variety’s article and wrote:

“oh geeez.”mocks”??? 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…”

Bowen Yang's Instagram story (image via Instagram/@fayedunaway) — Bowen Yang’s Instagram story (image via Instagram/@fayedunaway)

The screenshots of Yang’s response quickly went viral, prompting numerous reactions online. One user expressed:

“I love Bowen and I’m glad he clarified it but I just think this was a base skit like if you have to explain it…….: /”

A comment reacting to the news (Image via/ @tyayarant)

Several commentators echoed the sentiment that the skit’s humor did not translate effectively. Select comments shared on X include:

“the jokes still didn’t come across very well and it played up her asks as frivolous either way,”one user wrote.

“listen i get the cultural commentary completely and i don’t think the intentions here were necessarily bad but we can also recognize that it came off VERY poorly,”another explained.

“sometimes impact matters more than intentions and this is a case it just did not come across well,”@starniite added.

Some users pointed out that the skit employed a metaphor which was missed by many, leading to misinterpretation.

“metaphors are becoming too hard for the youth to decipher, open up the schools,”one user commented.

“I wonder if being raised by cellphones without real social interactions is behind so many in Chappell’s fanbase losing their minds over this skit,”another speculated.

“Tbh the segment didn’t feel mocking at all it felt quite lighthearted actually with connecting Chappell and Moo Deng considering they’re both America’s sweethearts rn LMAO,”a fan remarked.

Bowen Yang’s Appearances on SNL

The Moo Deng skit aired during SNL’s 50th season premiere on September 28. Hosted by Jean Smart, with musical guest Jelly Roll, Bowen Yang showcased his talents by embodying various notable figures, including JD Vance and Charli XCX, both of which received positive reactions online.

During the “Weekend Update”segment, Yang appeared as the Thai hippo-influencer Moo Deng, commenting on the ongoing discourse surrounding Chappell Roan, particularly critiques directed at her for being perceived as ungrateful. In August, Roan had taken to TikTok to express her need for boundaries and privacy from her fans.

Yang’s Moo Deng also addressed backlash aimed at Roan regarding her voting sentiments, where she indicated support for Kamala Harris but refrained from endorsing any candidate, emphasizing that “there are problems on both sides.”This led Roan to cancel two shows to focus on her mental health.

During the segment, Yang delivered the statement:

“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…”

The elaborated:

“This is what society does: It puts young women on pedestals, only to knock them down with shellfish.”

When co-star Colin Jost inquired about the stress of constant scrutiny, Yang’s character (Moo Deng) lamented her feelings of being caged, like an animal in a zoo, to which Jost quipped, noting her literal hippopotamus status.

Bowen Yang, through his podcast Las Culturistas, and alongside co-host Matt Rogers, has been a long-time supporter of Chappell Roan, advocating for her even before she gained mainstream recognition. In an August 2024 episode titled “An Attack on Leos,”they publicly backed her request for privacy.

Additionally, Yang interviewed Roan for Interview Magazine in August 2024, expressing his admiration as a fan and mentioning how he proudly displays her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, in his living room.

As of now, Chappell Roan has not publicly responded to Yang’s skit or his follow-up comments. She is expected to perform on SNL as a musical guest this November.

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