The country singer Morgan Wallen has been uninvited to Saturday Night Live as a musical guest for October 10 due to violating COVID-19 protocols, according to Pitchfork. Wallen was seen in a video online that saw the country artist partying without a mask in a large crowd. The singer released a video apology on his personal Instagram account stating his regrets and his understanding of the show’s decision for his removal.
Saturday Night Live recently returned to its home, Studio 8H, for its 46th season on October 3. Due to COVID-19, its 45h season did not air a full season length but managed to produce a few episodes virtually with original sketches performed over Zoom. Additionally, this short season featured monologues and appearances from hosts such as Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump), Brad Pitt (Inglourious Basterds), and Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids). With the new season being performed in the studio, NBC announced the decision to feature hosts and musical guests on the new in-person episodes with Chris Rock (Grown Ups) as the first host and Megan Thee Stallion as its first musical guest on October 3.
Wallen was scheduled to be the musical guest for comedian and actor Bill Burr (Breaking Bad, F is for Family) on the October 10 episode. However, due to his removal, there is no announced musical guest at this current time. While the singer was removed from the upcoming episode, executive producer of the series Lorne Michaels informed Wallen that he would be invited back for a future date on the long-running NBC sketch comedy series.