Bowen Yang addresses backlash over a recent ‘SNL’ impression

Bowen Yang seems to think that the word “mock” is too strong a verb.

The “Saturday Night Live“The actor drew backlash over the weekend over the comparison Moo Deng – very memorable Pygmy hippopotamus – to pop star Chappell Roan.

In the segment Yang performed on “Weekend Update,” Yang wears a hippo costume while impersonating the “Hot to Go” singer — drawing a parallel between the two internet sensations, who both happen to have some overzealous and entitled fans have.

Many social media users were outraged by Yang’s actions, saying the comparison ridiculed Roan’s plea for fans to stop harass them. Moo Deng’s impression also came a day after Roan canceled her performance at the All Things Go Festival in New York. Tell fans on social media that “things have become overwhelming over the last few weeks” and that she “needed a few days to prioritize my health.”

On Sunday, Yang responded to the backlash with an Instagram Story.

“Oh my God. mocked???” Yang began his answer. “If my personal stance and the piece aren’t entirely clear about supporting her, then that’s probably why. Everything she’s ever asked for has been reasonable, and even then we can relate it to another story about boundaries or whatever. I need the hose, rn…”

Although Yang wore a hippopotamus costume in the sketch, it was very clear that his Moo Deng was portraying the “Casual” singer.

Moo Deng became an instant internet sensation shortly after she was born at a Thai zoo in July, thanks to her highly expressive face – and her penchant for biting her keepers and gasping at water spraying from hoses.

Roan also rose to fame over the summer thanks to her hit single “Goodluck, Babe” and the release of her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.”

Moo Deng’s internet fame has inspired her fans to visit her at her zoo. More and more enthusiastic admirers throw random objects at her while she sleeps, hoping that the hippo will wake up and respond with his beloved moxie The move, which zookeepers have warned about, is “dangerous.”

As Moo Deng, Yang complained about the Hippo’s fans throwing “bananas and shellfish” at her, heavily referencing things Roan had said about her fans.

“Don’t call my name and expect a photo just because I’m your parasocial best friend or because you appreciate my talent,” Yang said as Moo Deng.

In August, Roan wrote something very similar in one Instagram post.

“When I’m on stage, when I’m performing… I’m at work. Under all other circumstances, I am not in work mode,” Roan wrote. “I don’t agree with the idea that I owe people I don’t know, don’t trust, or who scare me a reciprocal exchange of energy, time, or attention — just because they express admiration.”

Yang made several other references to Roan, prompting “Weekend Update” co-host Colin Jost to say at one point: “I have to say, Moo Deng, you know, your life lately is a lot like Chappelle Roan.”

In August, Yang spoke with Roan for a feature interview Magazine. In the article, Yang expresses his admiration for the way Roan “has been honest about what the last few months have been like for you” and lets her know that he is a big fan.

“I have to tell you, your record is in my living room front and center because it’s just so pretty,” Yang told Roan.

He added that her music “helped me through a lot of shit when I was depressed as hell” and told her that he even recommended her music to another pop star.

“I remember having a glass of wine with Ariana Grande… and saying, ‘You should take Chappell Roan.’ She’s fucking amazing. Their live shows are incredible.”