More artists are dropping out of performing at the upcoming Great American State Fair concert series as part of the Freedom 250 celebrations.
The Trump administration-backed event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, aka the country’s independence from Britain, announced the lineup on Wednesday (May 27), featuring several acts for the 16-day celebrations.
However, since the announcement, Morris Day first said he and The Time would not be performing, and now, most of the other performers have also dropped out of the event, held on the National Mall in Washington, MC.
Country music star Martina McBride is the latest to back out, sharing a statement on Instagram.
“I would like to talk to you and clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states,” Martina wrote. “In my mind I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can. I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Wholesome even. Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.”
“I’ve spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one,” she continued. “It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case. I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the DC area very soon.”
Young MC has also dropped out, writing, “I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT. The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, Spin magazine describes it as ‘Trump-backed.’ I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.”
Also dropping out is The Commodores.
The group shared on Instagram, “The Commodores will not be performing at the Great American State Fair. Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party. We support the betterment of all Americans.”
Milli Vanilli has also seemingly dropped out, tho main performer Fab Morvan has not spoken out publicly yet.
One of the original studio vocalists of the group, Jodie Rocco, shared with The Associated Press that she and her sister Linda Rocco, who also provided vocals, were surprised by the announcement of Milli Vanilli being on the lineup.
“My sister and I were shocked to see our name, ‘Milli Vanilli’, as one of the performers,” she wrote to the publication in an email.
It’s currently unclear if Fab will still be performing or not.
C + C Music Factory‘s Freedom Williams shared his own reaction to being on the lineup and the backlash.
In a video on Instagram, Freedom said he initially was inclined to back out of the event due to the backlash, but then seemed to say he would still perform as no one can tell him what he can or can not do. His confirmed performance is currently up in the air.
C + C Music Factory founding member Robert Clivilles, shared his own statement.
“Please be aware that Freedom Williams has done his best to misuse our name, C&C Music Factory, which means Civilles & Cole Music Factory,” he wrote on Instagram. “Freedom Williams should not be using this name to tour or represent what this group stands for. Any political or religious show or comment Freedom Williams makes regarding any shows, views or opinions… (have) absolutely nothing to do with C&C Music Factories (sic) viewpoint at all. The group stands for love and peace of all people globally and neutrality. We take the side of love and peace always. Please go to his page and vent.”
There are now currently only three remaining acts out of the nine announced.
Bret Michaels, an avid Trump supporter, has not spoke out publicly about performing. Though, given his support of Donald Trump, it’s unlikely he’ll drop out. He’s currently touring the US on his Live & Amplified Tour.
Flo Rida is also still on the lineup and has yet to publicly condemn performing at the event.
According to a post, after one person on Instagram commented, “Performing for Trump? Why??” The rapper simply responded with three laughing emojis.
Vanilla Ice is the third artist who still remains on the lineup. While previously saying he’s “apolitical,” he did perform at Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve Party earlier this year.
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