Morgan Wallen has stirred up some buzz by exiting “Saturday Night Live” earlier than expected. During the conclusion of Saturday’s episode hosted by Mikey Madison, the country singer, who was the musical guest, surprised viewers by walking off the stage abruptly. Typically, the cast and musical guest remain on stage at the end of each “SNL” episode to bid farewell and exchange hugs as the credits roll. However, Wallen departed the stage immediately after Madison’s goodnight message. He briefly hugged the “Anora” star before heading towards the audience and out of the camera’s view.
While Madison and the rest of the cast stayed on stage for the remainder of the credits, Wallen took to his Instagram Stories after the show, posting a picture of a plane with the caption “Get me to God’s country.” USA TODAY has reached out to Wallen’s representatives for a response.
This incident is not the first time Wallen has appeared on “SNL” as a musical guest. During his previous appearance in 2020, he stayed on stage until the end of the closing credits, engaging in hugs and high fives with the cast members.
The walk-off moment has sparked criticism of the “I’m the Problem” singer, who previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless endangerment for throwing a chair off a bar’s roof last year. One Reddit user commented, “He’s been there before and knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted to show the audience he didn’t care for the cast or doing the show.” Another speculated that Wallen had a “tantrum” and suggested he may not return to #SNL again.
Wallen performed “I’m the Problem” and “Just in Case” on Saturday’s “SNL,” which began with a sketch featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accidentally sharing war plans in a group chat with high school girls.
This latest “SNL” incident follows Wallen’s previous uninvitation from the show earlier in 2020 when videos emerged of him partying without a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wallen acknowledged his mistake at the time, expressing regret over his actions and understanding the repercussions on his future opportunities.
