Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
On March 29, the country star, who performed as the musical guest the previous week, broke the show’s longstanding tradition.
Morgan Wallen has turned his viral moment into merchandise.
After making headlines for abruptly leaving Saturday Night Live before the episode concluded on March 29, the 31-year-old country star posted a photo on his Instagram Stories showing a private jet, with the words “Get me to God’s country” written in white text across the image.
On April 1, Wallen launched a line of “Get me to God’s country” merchandise, featuring a T-shirt and hat emblazoned with the same phrase from his Instagram post. It’s unclear whether the slogan refers only to his viral moment or hints at a future song or lyric.
The “Cowgirls” singer’s new merchandise dropped just days after his appearance as the musical guest on the late-night comedy sketch series.
At the end of the show, Wallen whispered something into host Mikey Madison’s ear before abruptly stepping off stage and walking past the camera. Madison, on the other hand, stayed on stage, chatting with the rest of the cast as the credits rolled, sticking to the traditional SNL host and musical guest format.
The “Just in Case” artist’s unexpected and quick exit, along with the photo he posted on his Instagram Stories shortly after the episode aired—a picture of a private jet with “Get me to God’s country” written over it—led some to speculate that the gesture might have been intentional or significant.
A source close to Wallen, however, emphasized that the star had no intention of being disrespectful.
On March 30, the day after the SNL episode aired, the source told Variety that Wallen enjoyed his time on the show and did not mean to offend anyone with his quick exit or the subsequent Instagram post.
The source explained that the seemingly abrupt departure was simply the way the “Last Night” singer had entered and exited the New York City studio throughout the week during both rehearsals and camera blocking. The insider also added that Wallen didn’t overthink how his actions might be perceived, reiterating that there was no drama behind his behavior.
Wallen was also offered a spot in a pre-taped musical sketch filmed on Friday but decided to pass. Joe Jonas ended up replacing Wallen in the sketch, titled “Big Dumb Line.”
At the time, reps for Wallen did not respond to PEOPLE‘s request for comment.
