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- Bowen Yang poked fun at Chappell Roan on "Saturday Night Live" while dressed as the baby hippo Moo Deng.
- Chappell Roan fans accused Yang of not taking her mental-health struggles seriously.
- Yang said on Instagram that he supported Roan's requests for fans to respect her boundaries.
The "Saturday Night Live" cast member Bowen Yang has defended a sketch in which he dressed up as Moo Deng, a viral pygmy hippo, to send up the overnight pop sensation Chappell Roan after fans accused him of mocking the singer's mental-health struggles.
Roan has opened up in recent weeks about how she's found her meteoric rise to fame this year challenging — including in a conversation with Yang himself for Interview magazine.
The situation has come at a time of reflection for the entertainment industry, as what is widely regarded as the cruel treatment of young stars such as Britney Spears is re-evaluated.
On the "Weekend Update" segment of the latest "SNL" episode, Yang likened the attention Moo Deng had been receiving to Roan's. In recent interviews and social-media posts, Roan has complained about fans harassing her and said she wouldn't endorse Kamala Harris or promote certain brands such as H&M.
Roan's comments prompted some backlash, and fans viewed Yang's skit in that context.
The segment came a day after Roan canceled her appearance at "All Things Go" festival in New York, telling fans on Instagram: "Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it. I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health."
Other fans called out Yang for parodying Roan after interviewing her about her mental-health struggles.
Bowen Yang said he was supporting Chappell Roan
On Sunday, Yang reacted in an Instagram story to a news report that he mocked Roan.
"Oh geeez. 'Mocks'???" Yang said. "If my personal stance and the piece aren't absolutely clear in terms of supporting her then there it is I guess."
Yang added that he believed Roan's requests for fans to respect her boundaries were "reasonable."
In the sketch, Yang said, referring to Roan: "And 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 fans have defended Yang, saying people didn't understand that the comedian was being satirical.