The fallout surrounding the Great American State Fair keeps growing, and now C+C Music Factory’s legacy has become the latest piece of the controversy.
While frontman Freedom Williams previously insisted that he still planned to perform at the event despite backlash, C+C Music Factory co-founder Robert Clivillés has publicly distanced both himself and the group's legacy from the appearance.
In a statement posted to social media, Clivillés said he was “neither involved in, consulted regarding, nor have I endorsed the event in any way,” adding that Williams' personal opinions should not be interpreted as representing either Clivillés, the late David Cole, or the original creators behind C+C Music Factory.
Clivillés went even further, stressing that audiences deserve clarity regarding who is representing the brand. “My concern is not simply the use of a name, but the public confusion that can arise when audiences, promoters, media outlets, sponsors, or organizations are led to believe that a performance, appearance, endorsement, political affiliation, social position, or public statement represents the views, approval, or participation of the original creators of C+C Music Factory when it does not,” he wrote.
The statement adds another layer of confusion to an event that was already dealing with a rapidly changing lineup. According to CBS News, Williams previously posted a lengthy video explaining that he accepted the booking months ago without being informed about the event’s political associations. Although he made clear that he does not support Donald Trump, Williams said he still intended to perform, arguing that he would not allow public pressure to dictate his decisions.
Meanwhile, artists continue leaving the bill altogether.
Morris Day of The Time quickly rejected reports that he would appear, posting, “It's a no from me.” Shortly afterward, Young MC announced he had instructed his team to remove him from the event, saying artists were not initially informed about the event's political connections.
The departures didn't stop there. The Commodores issued a statement saying they would not perform, explaining that they chose not to publicly align themselves with any political party.
Martina McBride also withdrew, saying she had been assured the event was nonpartisan and later concluded that what she had been told was “misleading.”
Bret Michaels similarly announced he was stepping away, citing concerns about the increasingly divisive reaction surrounding the festival.
Not everyone is leaving. Vanilla Ice has confirmed he still plans to appear, and organizers continue to maintain that Freedom 250 and the Great American State Fair are nonpartisan celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.
