Moo Deng, the viral pygmy hippopotamus as portrayed by an angsty Bowen Yang clad in a bulbous, purple animal suit, has had enough. During Saturday Night Live ‘s Season 50 premiere of “ Weekend Update ” with hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che, Yang called for justice for the beloved zoo animal, who in real life has been subject to visitor harassment . “For the past 10 weeks, I’ve been going nonstop: running around, eating lettuce, trying to bite the water from a hose, and the response has been overwhelming, but it has come to the point where I need to set some boundaries,” he said.
“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’m your parasocial bestie or because you appreciate my talent.
” When Jost questioned what Moo Deng’s talent was, Yang responded with a quickness: “Having a slippery body that bounces.” He added that before his appearance online, the only “hippo representation” was with the popular children’s game Hungry Hungry Hippos and Jada Pinkett Smith’s character in Madagascar. As the bit went on, featuring several off-screen hosings that had Yang chomping at the mouth and splashed Jost, it became clear that Yang’s Moo Deng was also a stand-in for Chappell Roan, who has been vocal about fan mistreatment .
“I’m your favorite hippo’s favorite hippo,” Yang said, paying homage to R.