Morgan Wallen was booted Wednesday as musical guest on this weekend’s Saturday Night Live after he was caught partying without a mask or social distancing.
“I was getting ready for SNL this Saturday and I got a call from the show letting me know that I would no longer be able to play,” the country singer said, in a video message he posted to Instagram from a New York City hotel room, “and that’s because of COVID protocols, which I understand."
It would have been Wallen's first time on SNL and the first country act on the show since Luke Combs in February.
“I wish I could have made country music and my fans proud this Saturday but I respect the decision.”
As reported here, Wallen came under fire this week for whoopin’ it up at a crowded house party last weekend. In various clips that showed up on TikTok, the 27-year-old is seen doing shots, kissing a woman, sitting in the backseat of someone’s car and posing for photos with fans.
SNL returned to its studios this month with strict testing protocols in place.
“I’m not positive for COVID but my actions this past weekend were pretty short-sighted and they’ve obviously affected my long term goals and my dreams,” Wallen said. "I respect the show’s decision because I know that I put them in jeopardy and I take ownership for this.”
Wallen apologized to SNL and said its executive producer, Canada’s Lorne Michaels, offered to have him back on a future show. Wallen's replacement has not yet been announced.
The “Whiskey Glasses” singer – who was arrested in May for public intoxication and disorderly conduct after being tossed out of Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N' Roll Steakhouse in Nashville – told fans on Wednesday getting canned by SNL was a wake-up call.
“I have some growing up to do,” Wallen admitted. “I’ve lost myself a little bit. I’ve tried to find joy in the wrong places and, I don’t know, it’s left me with less joy. So I’m going to go try work on that. I’m going to take a step back from the spotlight for a little while and go work on myself.
“I’m gonna go work on me.”