Just days after concert details were released for the Great American State Fair commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary, most major musical artists have publicly announced they will not perform at the event.
The Trump-founded organization Freedom 250 unveiled a plan on Wednesday for “the first round of star-studded entertainment & activations.” Beginning June 25, the 16-day national exposition on the National Mall was set to feature “live entertainment, immersive exhibits, patriotic tributes, innovation showcases, cultural programming, and family-friendly attractions.”
Freedom 250 has maintained that the event is “inherently nonpolitical. It is a celebration of our country.”
However, several artists have withdrawn:
– Morris Day and The Time stated they would not perform via their official Facebook page.
– Young MC announced he had informed his agents he would not participate, noting the artists were never told about any political involvement with the event and expressing concerns that the event was politically aligned despite Freedom 250’s claims of nonpartisanship.
– The Commodores stated they “choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party.”
– Martina McBride claimed she had been presented with a nonpartisan opportunity but it turned out misleading.
– Bret Michaels cited the event evolving into something more divisive and withdrew due to safety concerns for his “fans, band, crew, family, and myself.”
C+C Music Factory’s founding member Robert Clivilles clarified he was not involved in or consulted about the event, while Freedom Williams ranted on social media about backlash after being announced as a performer. Milli Vanilli’s “real vocalists” announced they would not perform, stating others using the name are tribute bands. Fab Morvan, one of the original duo members, expressed he felt honored to be part of the event.
Vanilla Ice remains confirmed by his management agency to appear at the celebration.
Freedom 250 reiterated its position in a statement: “It is inherently nonpolitical. It is a celebration of our country.”
