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Morgan Wallen Opens Up About Fame’s Drawbacks Following SNL Exit
Country music star Morgan Wallen has voiced his honest feelings about the downsides of fame, mere days after his controversial early departure from Saturday Night Live (SNL). In a recent podcast appearance, the “Whiskey Glasses” singer discussed the challenges of public life and how it impacts his personal freedom.
Navigating the Complexities of Celebrity
“It remains strange, and certain aspects of [fame] are unappealing to me,” the 31-year-old country singer admitted on the Wednesday, April 2, episode of Theo Von’s “Last Weekend” podcast. He elaborated, “I believe anyone subjected to this… it’s far from ideal.”
Wallen further explained the constant pressure of being in the public eye. “It’s not ideal to venture anywhere and constantly feel on guard, anticipating potential interactions, even if you are not directly bothered. Certain behaviors become restricted; there are simply things you can no longer do,” he stated.
Finding Solace in Familiar Pursuits
Despite these limitations imposed by his public persona, Wallen has found ways to maintain normalcy through cherished hobbies like hunting.
“I can spend time with my friends, secluded in remote locations, allowing me to unwind,” he shared. “I can de-stress. Finding these alternative outlets, I think, is crucial, you know?”
Podcast host Von expressed understanding, acknowledging the difficulty for a prominent musician like Wallen to visit commonplace locations like bars without immediate recognition.
Bar Incident and Public Scrutiny
“For me, bars specifically are definitely best avoided,” Wallen quipped, addressing Von’s point. “I haven’t been to a bar since the widely publicized incident.”
Wallen referenced his arrest the previous year for allegedly throwing a chair at Eric Church’s Nashville establishment. He specified to Von that this event marked “the last time” he was “in a bar.” (Following a guilty plea to two misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges, Wallen received a sentence of one week in a DUI education program and eight months of probation.)
SNL Controversy and Aftermath
Wallen’s career has been punctuated by both successes and setbacks in the public eye. His recent Saturday Night Live appearance generated considerable buzz. Following host Mikey Madison‘s closing remarks on the March 29 episode, Wallen exited the stage prematurely, before the show’s end credits concluded. Typically, hosts and musical guests remain onstage during the credits to interact with the cast. Reports also circulated that Wallen withdrew from a planned comedic sketch, as reported by Variety earlier in the week. (Joe Jonas ultimately filled his place in the skit.)
“God’s Country” and Departure From City Life
Post-episode, Wallen used social media to convey his eagerness to leave New York City.
“Get me to God’s country,” the performer posted on his Instagram Story, accompanied by an image of a private jet.
Subsequently, Wallen launched merchandise featuring the phrase “Get Me to God’s Country” on his official website.