Morgan Wallen dropped from 'Saturday Night Live' after breaking Covid-19 rules

The singer was due to perform this Saturday

Country singer Morgan Wallen has been dropped from performing on 'Saturday Night Live' after breaking the show’s Covid-19 protocols. AP

Country musician Morgan Wallen has been dropped from performing on Saturday Night Live after breaking the show's strict Covid-19 protocols.

The 27-year-old singer was cut from the line-up for the October 10 show when images of him mask-less in a bar and house party in Alabama, US, were posted on TikTok.

He posted a two-minute video on Instagram, to discuss the show's decision and apologise for his actions.

"I got a call from the show to let me know I'd no longer be able to play," he said in the video, which was filmed in a New York City hotel room. "[It's] due to Covid protocols, which I understand.

"I’m not positive for Covid, but my actions this past weekend were pretty short-sighted and they’ve obviously affected my long-term goal and my dreams," he said.

Wallen said he apologised to "SNL, to my fans, to my team, for bringing me these opportunities, and I let them down".

"On a personal note, I think I have some growing up to do. I think I’ve lost myself a little but I've tried to find joy in the wrong places, and it's left me with less joy. So I'm gonna go try to work on that," he said.

"I'm gonna take a step back from the spotlight for a little while and work on myself. I wish I could’ve made country music and my fans proud this Saturday, but I respect the decision.

"Lorne Michaels actually gave me a lot of encouragement and let me know, 'We'll find another time to make this up,'" Wallen said, referring to SNL's longtime executive producer. "So that means a lot to me."

The comedy sketch show returned to studio to film its 46th season on Saturday, October 3, after a series of episodes filmed remotely from stars' homes. SNL is yet to announce a replacement for Wallen.

In the US, mask regulations vary from state to state. As of April 15, everyone in the state of New York has been required to wear a mask when outside of their home. In Alabama, where the TikTok footage was filmed, an order requiring people to wear face masks in public was extended into November on Wednesday, September 30; it had been due to expire on Friday, October 2.