Morgan Wallen Breaks Silence on SNL Exit, Shrugs Off Backlash and Turns Moment Into Merch

Country music star Morgan Wallen has spoken publicly for the first time about his abrupt departure from the Saturday Night Live (SNL) stage during the March 30 episode, where he served as the musical guest. The singer clarified that there was no conflict or tension behind his early exit. Speaking on the May 11 episode of Sundae Conversations with Caleb Pressley, Wallen stated simply that he was “just ready to go home” after spending a full week with the SNL team.

Wallen Shrugs Off Exit While SNL Cast Questions His Unusual Onstage Departure Behavior

During the interview, host Caleb Pressley brought up Wallen’s time on SNL with a joking question, to which Wallen responded lightheartedly, confirming that he wasn’t upset with anyone. Pressley also referenced Wallen’s Instagram Story from the night of his SNL appearance, which showed a private jet and the caption “Get me to God’s country.” Wallen acknowledged the post with a smile, reinforcing his desire to return home rather than stay for the show’s traditional end-of-show segment.

While Wallen appeared unfazed, some members of the SNL team had different reactions. Kenan Thompson, the show’s longest-serving cast member, commented on Wallen’s early departure in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Thompson noted that Wallen broke with the standard practice of remaining on stage to interact with the cast and host during the credits, calling the move “a spike in the norm” and questioning whether the singer fully grasped the expectations.

Turning Headlines Into Merchandise: Wallen Embraces Controversy With ‘God’s Country’ Brand Move

Though Wallen’s departure stirred discussion, it also sparked a marketing opportunity. The country artist later launched a “God’s Country” merchandise line, a nod to his Instagram post and the larger narrative surrounding his early exit. The move suggests that Wallen is leaning into the moment with humor and entrepreneurial savvy, turning controversy into commercial gain.

Despite Wallen’s casual explanation, his departure left a lasting impression on SNL fans and cast members alike. Kenan Thompson described Wallen as potentially “a complicated individual,” highlighting how unusual the moment felt in the show’s typically upbeat closing tradition. While Wallen himself dismissed the incident as simple fatigue, the unexpected exit continues to fuel discussion about his public image and approach to fame.