Country singer axed from ‘Saturday Night Live’ performance after breaking COVID-19 protocols

Morgan Wallen, slated to perform on this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live,” was dropped as the show’s musical act after breaking coronavirus prevention protocols.

The young country singer got the boot from NBC after footage surfaced showing him partying sans mask in Tuscaloosa, Ala., at a football game between Alabama and Texas A&M this past weekend.

In a video posted to his Instagram account, Wallen, who rose to fame after appearing on season six of “The Voice,” shared the news with fans.

“I’m in New York City in a hotel room, I was getting ready for ‘SNL’ this Saturday, and I got a call from the show letting me know I will no longer be able to play,” Wallen said. “And that’s because of COVID protocols, which I understand.”

The “This Bar” singer added that he is not positive for COVID-19 but apologized for his behavior, calling his action “shortsighted.”

“I respect the show’s decision because I know that I put them in jeopardy,” he said. “I take ownership for this. I’d like to apologize to ‘SNL,’ to my fans, to my team, for bringing me these opportunities. And I let them down.”

The long-running variety show has yet to announce a replacement for this weekend.