Morgan Wallen Had a Simple Reason for His Premature ‘SNL’ Exit

Morgan Wallen Sets New Album 'One Thing at a Time,' Singles

Embattled country star Morgan Wallen capped off 2024 on a high note. First, he took home the CMA Entertainer of the Year award. Two weeks later, he pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, bringing an end to a monthslong legal battle following April’s now-infamous chair-throwing incident on Broadway Street.

Barely four months into 2025, the “Whiskey Glasses” crooner, 31, is again facing backlash following Saturday’s (March 29) appearance on Saturday Night Live. However, sources close to Wallen say that the latest controversy is unwarranted.

Morgan Wallen Stirs Up Social Media With Early ‘SNL’ Departure

Appearing as the musical guest on the latest SNL episode, Morgan Wallen performed two songs from his highly-anticipated forthcoming album, I’m the Problem. However, what happened next overshadowed the “Cowgirls” hitmaker’s performance.

Typically, SNL musical guests stick around for the closing credits. However, Wallen stayed just long enough to acknowledge the audience and share a quick hug with host Mikey Madison. Then he left the stage, walking into the audience and past the camera. This marked the first time SNL fans could remember a guest exiting quite so abruptly.

The country superstar’s subsequent social media post only sparked more controversy. Wallen shared a photo of his private jet on the tarmac in New York, writing, “Get me to God’s country.”

As with most things regarding Wallen, the incident polarized social media. “Was pretty funny watching Morgan Wallen exchange a hug and pleasantries with Mikey Madison at the end and then get off the stage and away from the SNL cast ASAP,” one X/Twitter user wrote.

To others, the abrupt departure flew in the face of the show’s 50-year protocol. “In decades of watching SNL, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that,” one longtime SNL watcher wrote. “For so many of us, that is sacred ground.”

No Slight Was Intended, Sources Say

Sources in the “I’m the Problem” singer’s inner circle told Variety that Morgan Wallen intended no disrespect with his seemingly hasty exit.

According to the sources, the country star was simply leaving the stage in the same manner he had done during rehearsals. They said Wallen enjoyed his time on the show and wasn’t aware that the camera had captured him leaving the stage.

Featured image by Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images