Bowen Yang has shared her ‘personal stance’ on the Chappelle Rhone situation after her Moo Deng sketch on the Saturday Night Live season 50 premiere went viral, appearing to shade the singer. Yang appeared as ‘Your Favorite Hippo’s Favorite Hippo’ on the show’s Weekend Update segment hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che. Dressed up as the Internet’s favorite Thai baby pygmy hippopotamus, he comically complained about the burdens of fame.
Yang’s drama made headlines as well as strong condemnation from Roan’s fans as they believed it went against what Roan has strongly advocated for – boundaries between fans and artists – since he rose to fame. I have come. After fans were incensed by the controversial portrayal, particularly one that downplayed Roan, Yang felt it was appropriate to clarify on Instagram. He said that his stance has always been and will always be supportive of Roan.
Yang responded to the negativity on his social media, clarifying that his goal was to support Roan’s efforts. According to her, all the issues she was raising regarding privacy and boundaries were absolutely justified. “If my personal stance and piece isn’t exactly clear in terms of my support for her then I guess that’s it,” she wrote on her IG story.
Bowen elaborated, “Everything he’s asked for so far is reasonable and yet we can tie it into some other story about boundaries or anything.”
In the aforementioned SNL segment, Yang, who wore a tumbling hippo costume as Moo Deng, delivered a message of healthy boundaries through humor such as how women owe nothing to society and need space, a Similar message Roan is conveying in reality. He referenced Roan’s troubles with fan boundaries, saying, “Just because I’m your anti-social friend or you appreciate my talent, don’t yell my name and expect photos.”
He kept the comedy alive with “Needing the Hose RN”, earning a nod. Colin Jost also jokingly pointed out the similarity of his current issues with the Pink Pony Club singer.
Chappelle Rhone recently announced that she would no longer be performing at the All Things Go festival weekend, citing health issues. He also recently revealed a major depression diagnosis. The 26-year-old singer also opened up about her struggle with sudden fame, highlighting the various challenges that came with it, including invasion of her privacy and toxic behavior from fans.
Meanwhile, Bowen Yang’s Moo Deng skit as well as his stance are in favor of Roan, as the comedian made clear. He also appeared as Charli XCX and JD Vance in various skits during the season 50 premiere of Saturday Night Live.
Also read: Chappelle Rhone felt suicidal ‘for years’ while growing up; Remember feeling desperate to be ‘understood’
