During his recent appearance on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest, Morgan Wallen surprised viewers by abruptly leaving the stage as the credits rolled on March 29, 2025. This unexpected exit captured the attention of fans and cast members alike, prompting a response from Kenan Thompson, a longtime cast member of the show.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly published on March 31, 2025, Kenan reflected on the incident, describing Wallen’s departure as a notable deviation from the usual farewell interactions that typically occur between cast and guests. Thompson remarked on the customary hugs and exchanges that happen when the show ends, suggesting Wallen’s exit was a significant break from this tradition.
“You see somebody before you get a chance to say hi or say good job or anything like that, they just dipping. I thought maybe he had to go to the potty or something,”he commented.
This humorous remark illustrates the confusion felt by Thompson and others present during the show’s conclusion. As Wallen left, he was seen sharing a brief interaction with host Mikey Madison but failed to acknowledge other cast members, leading to criticism from fans on social media.
Understanding Morgan Wallen’s Sudden Departure
Thompson conveyed his bewilderment about Wallen’s quick exit, questioning what might have been going through Wallen’s mind at that moment. He articulated his thoughts on the singer’s behavior, expressing uncertainty as to whether Wallen truly grasped the SNL experience.
“I don’t know what goes through people’s minds when they decide to do stuff like that. I don’t know if he understood the assignment or not, or if he was really feeling a certain kind of way.”
Wallen’s departure gained significant attention on social media, with many users voicing their disapproval and labeling it as unprofessional conduct for a guest. As a result, the clips of the incident went viral, sparking debates about appropriate behavior on such a high-profile platform.
Kenan Thompson’s Perspective on Wallen
Reflecting on his impression of Wallen without having met him during the episode, Thompson described the artist as a “complicated individual.”This insight indicates that while Wallen’s actions might be puzzling, they may also reflect deeper layers of his personality.
“Seems like a complicated individual,”he said.
Notably, this was not Wallen’s first attempt to appear on the show; he was previously scheduled to perform in October 2020 but was uninvited due to COVID-19 protocol violations. He eventually returned two months later for his SNL debut.
Thompson drew parallels between Wallen’s abrupt departure and that of other musical guests, referencing the late Prince, who was known for his standoffish demeanor. However, Thompson emphasized that Wallen’s exit felt distinctly different—sharp and noticeable.
“I’m not saying Morgan Wallen is Prince, but we weren’t surprised because Prince was notoriously kind of standoffish. It’s just how he was.”
In contrast to Prince’s more understood behavior, Thompson remarked on the visibility of Wallen’s quick exit, especially as it occurred with only a handful of cast members on stage. This attention to detail marks the ongoing scrutiny of celebrity behavior on public platforms.
After the SNL incident, Wallen posted a photo of a private jet on his Instagram with the caption, “Get me to God’s country,”which Thompson expressed displeasure towards. The juxtaposition of his departure and subsequent social media activity suggests an ongoing narrative around public perceptions of celebrity responsibility.