Weekend Update: Baby Hippo Moo Deng on Fame - SNL

Summary

Moo Deng, a viral two-month-old pygmy hippo from Thailand, expresses her frustration over the overwhelming attention she's been receiving at her zoo. In a humorous and self-aware monologue on *Weekend Update*, Moo Deng sets boundaries, explaining that her antics, including biting a hose and tripping over items, are part of her work. She also addresses the harassment from fans throwing shellfish and bananas. The segment humorously compares Moo Deng's experience to the pressures on public figures, like Chappell Roan, and highlights the importance of respecting boundaries and mental health.

Takeaways

• 😀 A two-month-old pygmy hippo named Moo Deng from Thailand went viral, attracting large crowds at her zoo enclosure.
• 😀 Fans became unruly, throwing bananas and shellfish to get Moo Deng's attention.
• 😀 Moo Deng, speaking directly, emphasizes the need for boundaries and the overwhelming nature of her newfound fame.
• 😀 Moo Deng explains that when she is in her enclosure, she is at work, not a personal entertainer for fans.
• 😀 Moo Deng's 'talent' is described as having a slippery body that bounces off of Colin, the host.
• 😀 Moo Deng rejects the idea of being just another animal in the media and asserts her individuality.
• 😀 Moo Deng mentions she has been approached by brands like Maybelline and Away luggage but only supports products she truly believes in.
• 😀 Despite her fame, Moo Deng expresses frustration with the harassment and the constant attention from fans.
• 😀 Moo Deng defends other celebrities like Chappell Roan, emphasizing the pressures faced by young women in the spotlight.
• 😀 Moo Deng announces that she will not be endorsing any candidates in the upcoming presidential election, showing her independence.
• 😀 Moo Deng concludes by demonstrating the importance of respecting boundaries, notably in a playful exchange with Colin about biting his knee and respecting personal space.

Q & A

Why did Moo Deng become a viral sensation?

Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippo in Thailand, became a viral sensation due to her unique behaviors and the huge crowds that gathered to see her, leading to some fans throwing bananas and shellfish at her to grab her attention.

What is Moo Deng's reaction to the attention she receives?

Moo Deng is frustrated by the attention, acknowledging that she has been non-stop running around, eating lettuce, and playing with a hose, but also expressing the need to set boundaries with her fans.

What boundaries does Moo Deng set with her fans?

Moo Deng insists that while she appreciates her fans, they should not yell her name, expect photos, or treat her as their 'parasocial bestie.' She emphasizes that she is at work when in her enclosure.

What does Moo Deng consider her talent?

Moo Deng humorously refers to her talent as having a slippery body that bounces Colin, the host, before her. She also mentions that the only hippos in media were 'Hungry Hungry Hippos' and Jada Pinkett Smith's character in 'Madagascar.'

What is Moo Deng's relationship with brands?

Moo Deng mentions that she has been approached by brands like Maybelline and Away luggage but will only endorse products she truly believes in, such as sweet potatoes and hose water.

What does Moo Deng say about harassment?

Moo Deng expresses that the harassment from her fans has been intolerable, especially when they throw shellfish and bananas at her. She compares the harassment to the pressures faced by young women in society.

How does Moo Deng compare herself to Chappell Roan?

Moo Deng draws a parallel between her own life and that of Chappell Roan, a public figure, stating that society often puts young women on pedestals only to tear them down later. Moo Deng believes both she and Chappell deserve patience and grace.

How does Moo Deng react to the idea of endorsing a candidate in the presidential election?

Moo Deng firmly states that she will not be endorsing any candidate in the presidential election, highlighting that she is still young and not involved in such political matters.

What does Moo Deng do when she gets stressed out during the interview?

Moo Deng starts to get stressed out and asks Colin if she can bite his knee as a form of release, showing her frustration with the overwhelming attention.

What is the overall tone of the interaction between Moo Deng and Colin?

The overall tone of the interaction is comedic and satirical. Moo Deng humorously critiques her own fame while highlighting the absurdity of her situation, and Colin plays along, acting as a straight man to her antics.