Country star Martina McBride has withdrawn from the Freedom 250 concert series, claiming the event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary was “misleading” a day after it was announced.
The singer announced Thursday that she will no longer perform at President Trump’s “Freedom 250 Presents: Great American State Fair.” The event is a 16-day free festival taking over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., featuring concerts, military memorials and patriotic celebrations commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
“I was given the opportunity to perform at a bipartisan event, which turned out to be misleading,” McBride wrote on Instagram.
“I asked a lot of questions, but I was convinced that this was a bipartisan event aimed at celebrating all 50 states. In my heart, I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and a great way to bring people together in a way that only music can.”
“Things started to change yesterday, and what we were told is not what is actually happening,” she continued.
“I’ve spent my entire career singing about real people with real problems. I’ve had the opportunity to be a voice for people who didn’t feel like they had a problem.”
“I’m very upset that fans who are touched by my music may feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you that’s not the case,” she added.
McBride was scheduled to perform on June 25, the opening day of the festival, which aims to celebrate American history, culture and music.
Her departure coincides with several other cancellations after the lineup was announced this week, including Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day & the Time and The Commodores.
Michaels echoed McBride’s comments in an Instagram post Thursday night.
“When this opportunity was first presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and an opportunity to honor veterans, active duty military, first responders, teachers, and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” he said.
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of.”
But several artists are still keen to participate, including Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, and C+C Music Factory.
Confusion arose after it was announced that Milli Vanilli would be performing at the festival. However, singer Jodi Rocco, one of the group’s original studio vocalists, told The Associated Press that neither she nor the other members were asked to perform.
However, surviving Milli Vanilli frontman Fab Morvan confirmed he would be performing and embraced the event’s patriotic message.
“I’m here to entertain and unite people, not to divide,” Morvan said in a statement. “Let’s celebrate life and music and take a trip down memory lane.”
Vanilla ice cream will also be on standby for the event. A representative for the rapper told The Associated Press that he is “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.”
“Everyone is welcome to join us and celebrate America’s birthday and our freedoms!” the rep added.
Freedom 250 was founded by President Trump last year and describes itself as a “national bipartisan organization leading the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.” Keith Clack, a former State Department official, has been named CEO.
The Great American State Fair will be held from June 25 to July 10 and will include concerts, state showcases and special programs such as Military and Veteran Appreciation Day, Day of Faith Values and Inspiration, and MAHA Monday, which focuses on Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
