Jack White Takes Over as “SNL” Musical Guest After Morgan Wallen Violates COVID Protocol

White replaces the country singer after he was caught maskless at a party

jack white
Jack White performs onstage for Loretta Lynn: An All-Star Birthday Celebration Concert at Bridgestone Arena on April 1, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media, LLC)
Getty Images for Essential Broad

Jack White will replace country singer Morgan Wallen as musical guest on this week’s Saturday Night Live after Wallen was dropped by the sketch comedy show for violating COVID-19 safety protocol.

A video that surfaced on social media showed Wallen partying without a mask at a crowded house party days before he was scheduled to begin SNL rehearsals. After he was ousted from the show, he took to social media to apologize.

“I respect the show’s decision because I know I put them in jeopardy, and I take ownership for this,” he said in a video posted to Instagram. “I’d like to apologize to SNL, to my fans, to my team for bringing me these opportunities, and I let them down. And on a more personal note, I think I have some growing up to do.”

White will replace Wallen on the Oct. 10 episode of the show, which will be hosted by comedian Bill Burr. It will be his third solo appearance and fourth overall on the show. (The White Stripes served as musical guests on the show in 2002.)

Producer Lorne Michaels has said that Wallen will be invited back to perform on the show at a later date.

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