‘SNL’ Weighs In On Morgan Wallen Backlash, NBC Insiders Say

Morgan Wallen could have sparked headlines together with his abrupt exit on the finish of his current “Saturday Night time Stay” look, however sources say there’s no unhealthy blood between the nation star and NBC.

Because the credit rolled, Morgan Wallen was briefly noticed chatting with visitor host Mikey Madison and giving her an off-the-cuff one-armed hug earlier than making a swift exit, leaving the remainder of the forged behind to have fun the top of the episode.

Insiders near the community advised TMZ that regardless of the singer’s puzzling beeline offstage after the present’s remaining credit, the door stays huge open for future collaborations. The truth is, NBC would “completely have the nation music star again on the present.”

Whereas followers instantly speculated that Wallen could have taken offense to a joke or cast moment during the episode, significantly a “Weekend Replace” bit from Colin Jost and Michael Che, sources confirmed the “Final Night time” singer had been current on set since Thursday and was totally conscious of each phase deliberate for the present.

Not solely did he sit by the total gown rehearsal, however he additionally stayed for your complete dwell taping with out challenge.

“There wasn’t a joke or a forged member that offended him and triggered him to make a run for ‘God’s nation,’” one supply famous, referencing the Instagram Tales Wallen posted post-show, which featured a non-public jet and the caption, “Get me to God’s nation.”

Those that had been backstage say the vibe was pleasant and relaxed, and Wallen reportedly left the dwell present the identical manner he had throughout rehearsals, with out stopping to mingle throughout the customary closing phase.

The departure stood out to viewers at house, because it’s custom for musical visitors to share the stage with the visitor host and forged throughout the sign-off. Nonetheless, NBC apparently sees the incident as little greater than “an ungainly second.”

Regardless of this newest curious exit, “SNL” writers are already having enjoyable with Wallen’s one-liner, and NBC reportedly stays desirous to convey him again. Whether or not he’ll grace Studio 8H a 3rd time stays to be seen, nevertheless it appears clear that, for now, there’s no bridge burned between Wallen and the late-night comedy establishment.

The nation music star has change into one of the talked-about names within the trade, not only for his chart-topping hits, but additionally for a string of authorized troubles and controversial moments which have adopted him all through his profession.

Morgan Wallen’s first run-in with the regulation got here early in his profession. In January 2016, he was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee, and charged with driving below the affect. The case was finally dismissed in June of that very same 12 months.

On Could 24, 2020, Wallen made headlines after being arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct outdoors Child Rock’s Honky Tonk bar in downtown Nashville. Stories acknowledged that he had been kicked out of the venue for kicking glass objects and inflicting a disturbance. The fees had been later dismissed, however the incident raised considerations about Wallen’s habits within the public eye.

Simply months later, Wallen was once more in scorching water, this time for violating COVID-19 security protocols.

Movies surfaced of the singer partying maskless with school college students in Alabama, simply days earlier than he was scheduled to carry out on “Saturday Night time Stay.” Because of this, his “SNL” look was canceled. Wallen later issued a public apology for his actions.

One of the vital damaging moments of Wallen’s profession occurred in February 2021, when video footage captured him utilizing a racial slur outdoors his house. The backlash was swift and extreme as his report label suspended his contract, main radio stations pulled his music from rotation, and streaming platforms eliminated him from playlists.

Wallen apologized and mentioned he was “embarrassed and sorry,” acknowledging the seriousness of the incident.

In a newer incident, Wallen discovered himself again within the headlines in April 2024 after allegedly throwing a chair off the rooftop of Chief’s, a preferred Nashville bar. The chair reportedly landed simply toes from two law enforcement officials.

He was arrested and charged with three counts of felony reckless endangerment and one rely of misdemeanor disorderly conduct.