Several artists are backing out of the Great American State Fair after Freedom 250 announced a lineup for the event, which is set for June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall. Morris Day, Young MC and The Commodores all said they will not perform, despite having been listed on the roster. Day responded on Instagram with a brief rejection, while Young MC said on Facebook that the artists were not informed of any political involvement and objected to what he described as a politically charged event. The Commodores said on their website that they do not publicly affiliate with any political party and support the betterment of all Americans.
Freedom 250 is the public-private organization created by the Trump administration to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. A spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but spokeswoman Rachel Reisner told The New York Times that the group’s events are meant to honor American history and engage all Americans in a way that uplifts and unites the country.
The event’s lineup also includes Martina McBride, Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida and Bret Michaels, with more performers and speakers expected to be announced. Milli Vanilli was also listed, but Jodie Rocco, one of the singers associated with the group, told the Associated Press that she and her sister Linda were surprised to see the band’s name on the lineup. The withdrawals add to growing scrutiny over the fair’s ties to the Trump-backed Freedom 250 effort and the political questions surrounding the celebration.
