Morris Day Denies Performing at Controversial “Freedom 250” Concert in Washington, D.C.
Singer Morris Day has denied reports that he and the Time are scheduled to perform at a “Freedom 250” concert on the National Mall next month, despite organizers listing him as the June 27 headliner for a 16-day fair in Washington, D.C. Day posted a graphic on social media saying, “Contrary to rumors,” that “Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the ‘Great American State Fair,’” and added in a comment, “It’s Not For Me.”
The announcement drew immediate backlash online from music fans who viewed participation in the Freedom 250 events as an endorsement of the Trump administration and its role in the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations. Other acts named in the first wave of performers included Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, Bret Michaels, Milli Vanilli, Young MC, Martina McBride, C+C Music Factory and the Commodores. Organizers have said the Great American State Fair and Freedom 250 are nonpartisan, but critics continue to argue that the events are politically linked to Trump’s influence over the country’s semiquincentennial festivities.
Some fans reacted with relief after Day’s denial, while others questioned whether he had been booked and then pulled out after the criticism. Day’s representative and agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Social media reactions ranged from celebration to skepticism, with some users saying they were relieved not to see Day involved and others pointing out that his name had appeared on promotional materials.
The broader lineup also prompted confusion and criticism over the use of legacy act names. Some users noted that Milli Vanilli is no longer a duo after Rob Pilatus’s death in 1998, while C+C Music Factory is being promoted with only Freedom Williams, the group’s only remaining original member. None of the other advertised headliners had publicly addressed their participation at the time of the report.
The Freedom 250 branding had already sparked controversy earlier in May through the Rededicate 250 religious event on the National Mall, described as a day of prayer, music and testimony. That gathering featured several prominent political and evangelical figures, including Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio, Mike Johnson and Franklin Graham, and included a video message from the president. Critics said the event blurred the line between church and state.
Although Trump’s name does not appear on promotional materials, Freedom 250 describes itself as a national, nonpartisan organization leading the celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday. The group says it works with the White House Task Force 250, federal agencies and the Commission to coordinate public-private efforts for the anniversary year.
Separately, Day is still scheduled to appear on June 5 at Paisley Park’s annual Prince celebration in Minneapolis, where he will perform with a reconstituted version of the Time at the Armory.
