“FLIGHT ATTENDANT: In the event of a water landing, Christopher Meloni’s butt may be used as a flotation device,” one user tweeted alongside a photo of a squatting Meloni. Another posted a collage of photos of Meloni bending over and squatting with the pun, “Christopher Meloni has always understood the ass-ignment.” A photo of Meloni filming in Park Slope went viral for the star’s booty: The reactions to the Park Slope shot were hilarious. “Check out that wagon Christopher Meloni is dragging,” tweeted one user. Another pointed out, “If you think Christopher Meloni looks great on SVU, wait till you see Oz.” Even Chercouldn’t help but gush over Meloni, but insisted on focusing on his acting ability (which is also great, but come on, we see you). “CHRISTOPHER MELONI IS EXCELLENT, CHARISMATIC ACTOR,” she wrote in her signature all-caps. She added that she has nothing but the utmost respect for the star. Meloni was honored, writing that the “If I Could Turn Back Time” singer’s words were “a lovely way to start the day.” When a fan asked Meloni to explain why he has so much “cake,” he replied, “Sure- big birthday (60), big boy (200 lbs), big cake.” He interacted with other followers, which only makes him that much more attractive. One woman wrote of his rear, “I’m 73 and I love it! I wonder if it’s hairy…?” Meloni replied, “It’s not Vicki, it’s not.” Another fan recalled an encounter, so Meloni shouted out his mom: One asked Meloni to confirm that his butt could be used “in case of emergency,” but didn’t specify what sort of emergency may necessitate it. No matter: Meloni replied, “Sure. But first a short tutorial: Put it around ur neck, blow into the tube to inflate, and then assume the position. Emergency exits are this way and that. Enjoy.” Saucy. Another thirsty fan tweeted, “My good sir, can you please confirm that this birthday cake was homemade?” Meloni responded, “Wudda tasted better without a wallet and phone buried in the filling.” Another user (@KinkyMeloni, of course) tweeted a GIF that read, “I wanna know what you taste like.” Meloni responded, “Leather, lithium, and baby powder.” “Mercy! That’s a 60-year-old cake too,” one fan wrote. Meloni quipped, “Fresh! Yet no preservatives! Meloni Bakery. How do they do it?” He relished in some “gluten” puns: Of course, in addition to his cake, audiences enjoyed the return of Stabler simply for Meloni’s acting ability and getting their “Prodigal Son” back. Meloni told PEOPLE of the positive feedback from SVU fans, “It was pretty overwhelming. I think [Hargitay] was expecting it more than I was, because I think she’s been in the Law and Order stew, she’s been in that world continuously for 20 years. I was not prepared. It’s overwhelming and it’s wonderful and it’s very appreciated.” He added of his reprisal of the Stabler role, “This time around, I think the pressure’s off. I feel less pressure than I did when [creator Dick Wolf] first tasked me with being Elliot Stabler. So I’m a little freer to appreciate everything. It’s a nice journey.” Below, behold some more reasons to thirst for Meloni, both on and offscreen. Next, get to know Mariska Hargitay’s husband Peter Hermann.
