“Saturday Night Live” – SNL faced backlash for a skit mocking Chappell Roan during its Season 50 premiere.
Fans of the 26-year-old pop star expressed outrage over the segment, which featured Bowen Yang.
The skit touched on Roan’s struggles with fame and mental health, raising concerns about the show’s insensitivity.
SNL’s sketch left fans stunned.
During the “Weekend Update” segment, Bowen Yang portrayed Moo Deng, a viral baby hippo.
Dressed in a hippo costume, he referenced Roan’s calls for personal boundaries with fans.
He stated, “For the past 10 weeks, I have been going nonstop. The response has been overwhelming, but I need to set some boundaries.”
Yang continued, “Reminder, women owe you nothing. When I’m at work, do not yell my name or expect a photo.” His remarks echoed a previous Instagram post by Roan, where she asserted that she is not obligated to interact with fans outside of performances.
After the skit aired, Roan’s supporters took to social media, criticizing the show for trivializing her mental health challenges.
Many called on her to cancel her upcoming musical performance scheduled for the Nov. 2 episode, hosted by John Mulaney.
SNL’s sketch quickly went viral and sparked debate on social media
Critics voiced their disappointment with Yang’s participation in the skit.
While, others expressed sadness that Yang, who had previously interviewed Roan, chose to make light of her struggles.
Additionally, another pointed out that the irony of mocking Roan just weeks before her scheduled appearance as a musical guest.
One person said: I thought it was funny. Lighten up.
A second wrote: I can’t believe that a serious news show like SNL would make an attempt at humor.
While a third commented: I wasn’t gonna give this a watch but now I am cause it looks hilarious.
Another added: It’d be different if it was funny. I can’t remember the last time SNL was funny…probably before the births of the majority of Chappel Roan fans.
Someone else said: Don’t like it? Don’t watch it! Stop trying to censor what offends you. Just because it offends you doesn’t mean that you are right.
Bowen Yang responded to the incident
In response to the controversy, Yang addressed the backlash on his Instagram Story.
He shared a screenshot of a Variety headline stating that the sketch “mocks” Roan.
He wrote, “If my personal stance and this piece aren’t absolutely clear in terms of supporting her, then there it is, I guess.”
Yang defended Roan during the skit, urging people to respect her boundaries.
He stated, “Let her take as much time as she needs for her mental health. We both deserve patience and grace.”
He condemned the harassment Roan faced.
He likened it to society’s tendency to idolize young women and then tear them down.
Additionally, Roan has openly discussed her challenges since rising to fame.
She revealed her diagnosis of severe depression and expressed frustration with fans who expect constant access to her.
Weeks ago, she even threatened to quit music in response to the pressure and harassment she faced.
The controversy surrounding the SNL skit highlights the ongoing discussion about mental health and the treatment of public figures.
What did you think about SNL’s sketch ?