Did 'SNL' mock Chappell Roan for harassment concerns? Controversial sketch sparks debate

Was a recent "SNL" sketch referencing Chappell Roan mocking or supporting the singer? Fans can't decide, but the star of the bit is weighing in.

On Saturday, the NBC sketch show's Weekend Update included a segment where Bowen Yang starred as Moo Deng, a hippo from the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand who became a viral sensation this year. In the segment, Yang, dressed in a hippo suit, portrayed Moo Deng as overwhelmed by newfound fame and complaining about fan harassment.

As the segment continued, it became increasingly clear Moo Deng was being used as a stand-in for Roan, who in recent months has been speaking out against harassment and stalking she says she has experienced from fans. The "Hot to Go" singer, 26, has also expressed feeling overwhelmed by her sudden rise to stardom.

"It has come to the point where I need to set some boundaries," Yang's Moo Deng says in the "SNL" bit. "Reminder: Women owe you nothing!"

"When I'm in my enclosure tripping over stuff, biting my trainer's knee, I am at work. That is the project. Do not yell my name, or expect a photo, just because I am your parasocial bestie or because you appreciate my talent."

Chappell Roan speaks out against 'creepy behavior' from fans: 'That's not normal'

Making the connection explicit, Weekend Update host Colin Jost observed, "Your life sounds a lot like Chappell Roan's lately."

Yang's Moo Deng defended Roan, saying, "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."

"I don't think she has that problem," Jost quipped.

'SNL' Chappell Roan parody segment draws mixed reactions: 'Beyond unfunny'

As a clip of the segment circulated on social media, reactions were mixed, with some expressing outrage that the show was seemingly making light of Roan's experiences with abuse and harassment.

"Chappell's family was stalked and she was sexually harassed," read one X post, which drew over 90,000 likes. "this is beyond unfunny."

Chappell Roan cancels 2 festival performances: 'Things have gotten overwhelming'

"Two men mocking a woman's mental health real nice," another X reply said.

YouTuber Jessie Earl asked, "So the joke is a woman talking about harassment and stalking she received as a celebrity woman is a giant ridiculous hippo who should be ok with it? Am I missing something?"

"It may have been his intention to be sympathetic, but the fact that no one thought maybe comparing the lesbian woman going through mass harassment right now to a hippo is a bad idea is a huge problem," Earl continued.

Others argued the sketch wasn't mocking Roan's situation and was taking her side.

"there is nothing offensive about this," one X user said. "they're literally just saying 'stop treating Chappell Roan like a zoo animal.' get a grip you guys."

Bowen Yang supports Chappell Roan following 'SNL' skit

Amid the criticism, Yang took to his Instagram Story to clarify the intent behind the sketch. The comedian objected to a headline that suggested the segment "mocks" the singer.

"If my personal stance and the piece aren't absolutely clear in terms of supporting her then there it is I guess," he wrote, adding that "everything she has ever asked for has been reasonable."

Yang previously sat down with Roan for an Interview Magazine article published in August. "I hope you feel rewarded for being honest about what the last few months have been like for you," he told her.

The "SNL" segment came after Roan canceled her scheduled festival appearances in New York and Maryland, sharing, "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."

The singer is set to perform as the musical guest on "SNL" in November in an episode hosted by John Mulaney.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'SNL' Chappell Roan bit sparks backlash, Bowen Yang responds