Five musical artists listed as performers at an upcoming event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary said they won’t be attending despite being listed on the lineup.
Freedom 250, a public-private partnership backed by President Donald Trump, announced a list of performers Wednesday, but shortly after, Morris Day and the Time, Young MC, Martina McBride, The Commodores, and Bret Michaels announced that they would not be making appearances.
“Contrary To Rumor, Morris Day & The Time Will Not Be Performing At The ‘GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR,’” a graphic the artist posted on social media said.
“It’s A No For Me,” the post added.
Young MC, McBride, The Commodores and Michaels all specifically called out the event’s political nature when announcing that they would not be participating.
“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event,” Young MC wrote in a social media post on Wednesday.
“I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged,” the rapper added.
McBride said in her post Thursday that she would not perform at the event, writing that she “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,” the country star wrote. “Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.”
The Commodores wrote in a post on X Thursday that “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,” the band added.
Michaels said in a social media post on Friday that what he thought was going to be an event to honor military service members, veterans, first responders, teachers and other working Americans had “evolved into something much more divisive than I agreed to be part of.” The Poison frontman also said the safety of his fans, band, crew and family had entered into his decision, referring to threats that he called “completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
Reached for comment, Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner said that the group is a nonpartisan nonprofit “dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation’s 250th anniversary.”
“Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans — welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America,” Reisner added.
NBC News has reached out to other artists listed on the lineup for comment.
The artists’ posts came shortly after Freedom 250 announced the “first wave” of participants, including hip-hop acts Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida, funk and soul group The Commodores, dance-pop act C+C Music Factory and Bret Michaels, the frontman for the glam metal band Poison.
TQ Management Agency, which represents Vanilla Ice, told NBC News in a statement Thursday that the artist “is contracted and will perform at the Great American Fair at the National Mall on Friday, June 26. He is proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!”
Freedom 250 announced that the artists would participate in the “Great American State Fair,” which will run from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall.
The festivities will include showcases from states and territories, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, “CEO and innovator-led conversations and demonstrations” and special screenings of “National Treasure” and its sequel, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” the organizers said.
Trump has also created a task force to spearhead an administration-wide effort to prepare for the anniversary events. The White House said those will include an IndyCar street race around the National Mall and a UFC fight at the White House.
