Bowen Yang responds to backlash over Chappell Roan and Moo Deng’s ‘SNL’ gag.

• Bowen Yang made fun of star Chappell Roan dressed as a baby hippopotamus Moo Deng on “Saturday Night Live.”
• Chappell Roan fans accused Yang of not taking her mental health issues seriously.
• Yang said on Instagram that he supports Roan’s requests that fans respect her boundaries.

“Saturday Night Live” cast member Bowen Yang has defended a skit in which he dressed up as viral pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng to send pop sensation Chappell Roan into the night, after fans accused him of mocking the singer’s mental issues.

In recent weeks, Roan has shared more about how her meteoric rise to fame has been a challenge this year, including: in an interview with Yang himself for Interview magazine.

The development comes at a time of reflection for the entertainment industry as it reassesses what is widely seen as the cruel treatment of young stars such as Britney Spears.

In the “Weekend Update” segment of the latest episode of “SNL,” Yang compared the attention Moo Deng gives to Roan. In recent interviews and social media posts, Roan has complained about fans harassing her, said she will not support Kamala Harris and will not promote certain brands such as H&M.

Roan’s comments sparked some backlash, and fans watched Yang’s skit in that context.

The episode came a day after Roan canceled her appearance at the All Things Go festival in New York, telling fans on Instagram: “Things have become overwhelming over the last few weeks and I really feel it. I feel pressured to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health.”

Other fans accused Yang of parodying Roan after interviewing her about her mental issues.

Bowen Yang said he supports Chappell Roan

On Sunday, Yang reacted on Instagram stories to news reports mocking Roan.

“Oh my gosh. “Mockery”???” Yang said. “If my personal position and the article aren’t completely clear in supporting her, I guess so.”

Yang added that he thought Roan’s requests for fans to respect her boundaries were “reasonable.”

In the sketch, Yang said, referring to Roan, “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 don’t throw barnacles at her.”

Some fans defended Yang, saying they didn’t understand that the comedian was speaking satirically.