Did a recent “SNL” episode that involved Chappell Roan serve as a satire or a show of support for the artist? Fans are torn, but the main star of the skit has shared her thoughts.

This past Saturday, the NBC sketch comedy series featured Bowen Yang as Moo Deng, a hippo from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, who has recently gained viral fame. In this comedic segment, Yang, donning a hippo costume, portrayed Moo Deng as distressed by sudden fame and voicing concerns about fan harassment.

As the sketch progressed, it became clearer that Moo Deng represented Roan, who has bravely spoken out about the harassment and stalking she claims to have faced from her fans recently. The 26-year-old “Hot to Go” singer has also shared how overwhelming her rapid ascent to fame has been.

“I’ve reached a point where I have to draw some boundaries,” Yang’s Moo Deng asserts in the “SNL” segment. “Just a reminder: Women do not owe you anything!”

“When I’m in my habitat, stumbling over things and nipping at my trainer’s knee, that’s my job. That’s the project. Please don’t shout my name or expect a picture just because you think we’re best friends or you admire my skills.”

Making the comparison more explicit, Weekend Update host Colin Jost remarked, “Your situation sounds quite similar to that of Chappell Roan lately.”

Yang’s Moo Deng defended Roan, exclaiming, “Leave her be! Allow her the time she needs for her mental well-being. We both deserve patience and compassion, so stop pestering her and stop throwing shellfish at her.”

“I doubt that’s an issue for her,” Jost joked in return.

‘SNL’ sketch on Chappell Roan generates mixed feelings: ‘Totally unamusing’

As clips from the sketch circulated online, reactions varied widely, with many expressing outrage at what they perceived to be the show trivializing Roan’s experiences with abuse and harassment.

“Chappell’s family has been stalked, and she faced sexual harassment,” one user posted on X, garnering over 90,000 likes. “This is far from funny.”

“It’s lovely to see two men ridiculing a woman’s mental health,” commented another X user.

YouTuber Jessie Earl questioned, “So the punchline is that a woman discussing harassment and stalking as a famous figure is depicted as a massive, silly hippo who should just accept it? Am I missing something here?”

“Even if the intention was to express sympathy, the fact that no one considered that comparing a lesbian currently facing widespread harassment to a hippo is problematic is a major issue,” Earl added.

In contrast, some argued that the sketch did not belittle Roan’s plight and instead supported her.

“There’s nothing offensive in this,” a user mentioned on X. “They’re essentially saying ‘stop treating Chappell Roan like a zoo animal.’ Chill out, everyone.”

Bowen Yang shows support for Chappell Roan after ‘SNL’ skit

In response to the backlash, Yang posted on his Instagram Story to clarify the sketch’s purpose. The comedian contested a headline implying the segment “mocks” the singer.

“If the intent of my personal view and the sketch isn’t clear in supporting her, then there it is, I guess,” he stated, emphasizing that “everything she has ever asked for has been justifiable.”

Previously, Yang had an interview with Roan for Interview Magazine published in August. “I really hope you find some solace in being honest about your experiences over the recent months,” he said to her.

The “SNL” skit came after Roan canceled her scheduled appearances at festivals in New York and Maryland, announcing, “The last few weeks have been really overwhelming, and I’m feeling it. I am under pressure to prioritize various aspects right now, and I need some time to focus on my health.”

The artist is slated to perform as the musical guest on “SNL” this November in an episode led by John Mulaney.