‘SNL’ drops guest for breaking virus rules
LOS ANGELES >> Morgan Wallen is no longer this week’s “Saturday Night Live” musical guest.
The rising country star posted an emotional Instagram video from a New York City hotel room — where he was preparing to go on the weekly show — that he had received a call from the show informing him that he would no longer be able to play Saturday’s show because of COVID-19 protocols at “SNL.”
He said he has not tested positive for COVID-19, but “my actions from this past weekend were pretty short-sighted, and have obviously affected my long-term goals and my dreams,” he said, referring to TikTok videos in recent days that showed Wallen socializing in Alabama without a mask at a bar and a house party.
AI.com reported that the videos were taken Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Wallen “got up close and personal with fans” while celebrating the University of Alabama Crimson Tide’s victory over Texas A& M.
“I respect the show’s decision because I know I put them in jeopardy, and I take ownership for this. I’d like to apologize to ‘SNL,’ to my fans, to my team for bringing me these opportunities, and I let them down,” he said.
“And on a more personal note, I think I have some growing up to do,” he added. “I think I lost myself a little bit. I 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 try to work on that. I’m going to take a step back from the spotlight for a little while and go work on myself.
“I wish I could have made country music and my fans proud this Saturday, but I respect the decision once again.”
Wallen said that “SNL” chief Lorne Michaels gave him “a lot of encouragement,” and told Wallen that the show would “find another time to make this up.”
Wallen acknowledged the scrutiny he has faced in the wake of the surfaced TikToks, but said that the notes of encouragement he has received “haven’t gone unnoticed either.”
SNL” resumed performing from the set with a live studio audience this past weekend when it was hosted by Chris Rock, with musical guest Megan Thee Stallion.
Comedian Bill Burr is set to host this weekend.