Theo Von and Matt Rife Defend Morgan Wallen Following Criticism From Pittsburgh Show Cancellation

Comedian Matt Rife and podcast host Theo Von are coming to Morgan Wallen’s defense, as he has continued to face backlash after canceling the second of his two scheduled shows at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on June 6. At the time, the country superstar explained that the decision was made due to severe weather forecasts in the area. However, some fans voiced their frustration online after the skies remained clear for much of the evening.

During a recent episode of Theo Von’s podcast, This Past Weekend, the pair weighed in on the ongoing buzz and argued that Wallen’s decision was likely made with nothing but safety for his crew and his fans in mind.

“He’s not a meteorologist. It’s not up to him,” Rife claimed.

Von echoed that sentiment, noting that Wallen was likely doing the best he could under the circumstances.

“Yeah, he’s doing the best that he can and people just, they won’t cut him a break…Well, he has a big set and it’s like if something falls…”

Rife went on to point out that if weather had gotten as severe as predicted amid a concert he didn’t cancel and people got hurt, that would cause even more backlash against him.

Von agreed adding, “He can’t be on stage. ‘Yes, I’m the problem’ and people are getting hit by lightning. There’s a twister just throwing people up on stage. It was like people are passing by you in the air…People are wishing they had sand in their boots because they would be anchored down better. It’s like cut the guy some damn slack, man. He just wants to do his best.”

Wallen’s initial statement was shared to Instagram Stories on Saturday afternoon. He explained he consulted with his team and local officials before ultimately making the decision to call off the show, emphasizing that fan safety was in fact the top priority.

“After talking with local officials and my team, there is no choice but to cancel tonight’s show due to severe adverse weather conditions expected throughout the rest of the day and night. Safety for my fans and crew is the highest priority,” the statement began.

The hitmaking country star also assured ticketholders that refunds will be available at the point of purchase.

WTAE.com reported that a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for Allegheny County, including the city of Pittsburgh, and several surrounding counties until 6 p.m. local time on June 6. Forecasters warned that scattered areas could see wind gusts up to 70 mph, isolated hail as large as 1.5 inches in diameter, and even the possibility of a few tornadoes. The storm system also carried a risk of localized flash flooding across western Pennsylvania.

Despite those forecasts, conditions in Pittsburgh remained relatively clear, leading some fans to question the decision to cancel the show and argue that Wallen should have waited longer before making the call.

In response to the backlash, the “20 Cigarettes” singer later shared a video on Instagram further explaining the situation from his perspective. He said members of his team approached him the morning of the concert after consulting with local officials and advised him that canceling the show was the safest course of action.

“That was the information I had in that moment and I trusted my team,” he stated. “The truth of the matter is I have a large stage and in those conditions, could become fatal to a lot of folks around it.”

The Tennessee native ended his statement by addressing online speculation that suggested the weather wasn’t the real reason behind the cancellation.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of nonsense about me that is simply not true. I think my true fans know that that’s not how I operate in general, but I had to say it,” Wallen added.

@enews

Morgan Wallen is certain the weather is the problem. He responds to the rumors about why he canceled his recent tour stop at the link in bio. (🎥: Instagram/morganwallen)

♬ original sound – E! News

Morgan Wallen’s weekend in Pittsburgh marked another stop on his Still The Problem Tour. He is scheduled to return to the stage in Chicago, IL on June 19 with back-to-back shows at Soldier Field.

His tour will continue through August 1 where he will close things out with two shows at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.