Morgan Wallen faced another online backlash after his lack of performance activities at the Saturday Night Live show functioned as the controversy rather than his traditional acts.
During the March 29 Saturday Night Live broadcast Wallen delivered two songs from his upcoming album I’m the Problem while filming in front of an audience that stayed mesmerized by his musical ability.
During the closing moments of the show under presenter Mikey Madison, unexpected problems developed.
Once SNL finishes its broadcast the performers and cast members normally engage in an emotional closing segment by waving and embracing each other before concluding their live show.
The traditional stage post-performance closure between Wallen and Madison was broken up by his abrupt short hug with her before disappearing before anyone else finished welcoming him.
Fans along with cast members remained confused when Wallen abruptly disappeared from the broadcast to the extent that everyone present was visibly disturbed.
The public confusion worsened as Wallen published a secretive airline post with the caption reading: “Get me to God’s country.”
Users within social media networks immediately read the message by viewing it as an open dig against NYC plus a clear sign that Wallen wanted to leave New York City behind.
Additionally at the post-show interview Kenan Thompson who had worked on Saturday Night Live for many years stated his confusion about the incident.
Wallen refrained from understanding public motivations behind specific actions by stating that he did not perceive his fellow actor’s message clearly during the SNL performance. (source: E! News) News)
According to People, Wallen had also declined to participate in a pre-taped sketch called “Big Dumb Line,” a satirical take on New York’s trend-driven obsession with waiting in long queues.
The substitution of Joe Jonas for Jason Wallen’s spot in a crucial comedy sketch strengthened speculation about the singer’s diminishing cooperation with the late-night show.
Reportedly responding to criticism with a tactic labeled deflection Wallen immediately released merchandise with the printed message “Get me to God’s country.”
The T-shirts and caps released as part of the merchandise line received opposing responses from the public while some viewers considered it strategic branding and others accused the move of being opportunistic. (New York Post)
Despite the chatter, sources close to NBC were quick to defend Wallen, saying there’s “no bad blood” between the singer and the SNL crew.
According to sources the on-air exit was an actual performance of the scene Wallen had rehearsed previously but it did not indicate any team disrespect.
Saturday Night Live was not the first time Saturday Night Life experienced difficulties with Morgan Wallen according to previous reports.
He was removed from the lineup by SNL in 2020 because he was caught violating COVID-19 rules while partying in Alabama before making a comeback later that year to do musical performances and demonstrate his parody sketch addressing his previous scandal. (Tennessean)
Future appearances will be affected by this current incident but the extent of the impact remains uncertain.
Wallen consistently captures public attention by his musical abilities as well as his personal troubles and unexplained stage breaks which continue unabated.
Wallen leveraged the ongoing explanations about his backstage departure to create commercial products which showcase his ability to transform adversities into profitable ventures.
Feature Image Credit: (NBC) (Instagram)
