Morgan Wallen Addresses Controversial ‘SNL’ Exit, Claims He Was "Just Ready to Go Home"

Morgan Wallen has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his abrupt departure from the set of "Saturday Night Live" following his performance as a musical guest on the March 29th episode. In a recent interview on "Sundae Conversation with Caleb Pressley," the country music star offered his perspective on the incident, downplaying any notion of animosity towards the show and attributing his early exit to simply being tired and wanting to go home.

The incident occurred at the end of the episode hosted by Mikey Madison. Traditionally, the musical guest and host remain on stage during the closing credits, mingling with the cast and crew in a show of camaraderie and appreciation for the collaborative effort of producing the live comedy show. However, Wallen was seen leaving the stage almost immediately after Madison delivered her closing remarks, a move that was quickly noticed and interpreted by many as a breach of etiquette and a sign of displeasure.

When directly asked by Pressley if "SNL" had made him "mad," Wallen emphatically denied any such sentiment. "No," he stated, adding, "I was just ready to go home. I’d been there all week." This explanation suggests that Wallen’s departure was not a reflection of any negative experience or conflict with the show, but rather a matter of personal fatigue and a desire to return to his familiar surroundings.

Adding a touch of humor to the conversation, Pressley jokingly inquired, "Are you handy? Could you fix a TV — if it was on SNL?" Wallen responded with a quip, "I could change it, for sure," indicating a playful willingness to alter the channel, perhaps implying a desire to move on from the "SNL" experience.

Wallen’s initial reaction to the controversy further fueled speculation and debate. Immediately following the episode, the singer posted a photo of a plane on Instagram, accompanied by the caption "Get me to Gods country." This phrase quickly went viral, becoming a catchphrase associated with the incident and sparking a wave of online commentary. Capitalizing on the phrase’s popularity, Wallen promptly began selling merchandise emblazoned with "Get me to Gods country" in his online store.

"SNL" itself did not shy away from addressing the controversy in the subsequent episode. The incident was referenced multiple times throughout the show, most notably during the "Weekend Update" segment, where anchor Colin Jost quipped, "Money is leaving the stock market faster than Morgan Wallen at goodnights." The cold open of that episode also featured James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of President Donald Trump using the phrase "get me to Gods country," eliciting laughter and applause from the studio audience. This direct engagement with the controversy underscored the show’s awareness of the incident and its willingness to satirize it.

In the weeks following Wallen’s exit, "SNL" cast member Kenan Thompson offered his perspective on the matter. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Thompson described Wallen’s departure as "definitely a spike in the norm," highlighting the usual practice of guests remaining on stage to interact with the cast. "We’re so used to everybody just turning around and high-fiving us, everybody’s saying, ‘Good job, good job, good job.’ So when there’s a departure from that, it’s like, ‘Hmm, I wonder what that’s about?’" Thompson added.

Thompson also expressed his thoughts on Wallen’s "get me to Gods country" post, stating, "The Gods country of it all is strange because it’s like, what are you trying to say? You trying to say that we are not in Gods country? We’re not all in Gods country? We’re not all under Gods umbrella? That’s not necessarily my favorite." This comment suggests that Thompson perceived Wallen’s post as potentially divisive or dismissive of the "SNL" community.

Wallen’s initial appearance on "SNL" was itself preceded by controversy. He was originally scheduled to perform on the show in October 2020, but his invitation was rescinded after a video surfaced of him partying without a mask and disregarding social distancing guidelines. He was later re-invited to appear on the show in March 2021, marking a significant moment of redemption for the artist.

Wallen’s career has been marked by both commercial success and public controversies. His music has resonated with a large audience, earning him numerous awards and accolades. However, he has also faced criticism for his behavior, including instances of public intoxication and the aforementioned violation of COVID-19 safety protocols. These controversies have often sparked debates about accountability, forgiveness, and the role of public figures in setting examples for their fans.

The "SNL" incident and Wallen’s subsequent explanation add another layer to this ongoing narrative. His claim that he was simply tired and ready to go home may be seen as a genuine explanation or as an attempt to downplay the significance of his actions. Regardless of the interpretation, the incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by public figures and the potential for even seemingly minor actions to be amplified and dissected by the media and the public.

The interview on "Sundae Conversation with Caleb Pressley" provides a glimpse into Wallen’s perspective on the situation, allowing him to address the controversy directly and offer his own narrative. While his explanation may not satisfy all critics, it offers a degree of closure to the incident and allows Wallen to move forward in his career. The controversy ultimately highlights the complexities of navigating the world of entertainment, where fame, scrutiny, and the pressure to conform to expectations often collide.