The turnout of the talent expected to perform at the Donald Trump-backed “Freedom 250” event continues to dwindle, with Bret Michaels confirming he won’t be performing due to “threats and safety concerns.”
Michaels, who is now the fifth act to back out of “Freedom 250,” said that he won’t be performing at “Freedom 250,” joining four other acts who dropped out within the 48 hours that the lineup was announced. “When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers, and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” he wrote in his statement shared on social media.
“My shows have never been about politics,” he continued. “They’re about giving people a place to come together, have a great time, and forget about life’s stresses for a few hours. 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. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family, and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
Michaels ultimately made the decision to “step away” from the event. “This isn’t about politics. It’s about staying true to what I’ve always believed in,” he added. “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That’s one of the freedoms our veterans fought for and something I’ve always respected.”
Michaels' departure from the event comes not long after Morris Day, Young MC, the Commodores, and Martina McBride announced they wouldn’t perform at the event within a day of the lineup being announced, some of whom admitted they were unaware of the event’s nature. Of the nine acts who were announced as performers, only Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli have commented on the backlash and reiterated their intention to go. C&C Music Factory frontman Freedom Williams suggested he’s weighing up the band’s options, while Flo Rida is the only act who hasn’t commented.
The concerts were scheduled to take place as part of the Great American State Fair, a weeks-long event on the National Mall as part of the Trump-established “Freedom 250” initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of America.
