Singer faces criticism ahead of SNL performance
It's hard to find a country star TikTok users love more than Morgan Wallen. But now, videos of him on the app have led to backlash.
In the past several days, many TikToks have emerged that show Wallen, one of Nashville's fastest rising young stars, partying maskless amid crowds of people at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. An Instagram photo Wallen posted shows the musician, set to make his Saturday Night Live debut this weekend, was in the area to attend a football game Saturday.
Various clips show Wallen drinking in a crowded bar; kissing multiple women; taking pictures with fans; and playing guitar in a tightly packed gathering indoors. The people who do have masks are wearing them around their chins. Wallen is wearing a neck gaiter that is pulled down in most of the videos.
That behaviour, already risky in a pandemic, is especially notable because of his upcoming SNL appearance. Since the show kicked off Season 46 on Saturday, producers have taken pains to prove how seriously they are taking coronavirus protocols. Last week's small live audience, made up of first responders, were all wearing masks. Host Chris Rock signed off surrounded by the cast and crew wearing face coverings and implored anyone watching to wear a mask as well.
SNL creator Lorne Michaels gave multiple interviews in the lead-up explaining the show's new safety procedures, including everyone taking rapid coronavirus tests before they enter the building. Each person has to wear a mask at all times, including performers, until right before they go on camera.
As videos of Wallen hit social media, alarmed viewers criticized his adventures.
An SNL representative declined to comment and Wallen's publicist did not respond to requests for comment.