politics
Freedom 250 Concerts on National Mall to Feature Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, Bret Michaels and Milli Vanilli
Martina McBride, Morris Day and Young MC have pulled out of the Great American State Fair series scheduled for late June and early July. The performers cited concerns over the event's political ties after organizers announced the initial lineup.
May 28, 10:59 AM·1m read3 sources
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The Freedom 250 concerts, part of a 16-day national exposition on the National Mall running from June 25 to July 10, will feature Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, Bret Michaels and Milli Vanilli as headliners. Organizers describe Freedom 250 as a national nonpartisan organization leading celebrations of the nation's 250th anniversary. The Great American State Fair is planned as the centerpiece event.
Martina McBride, Morris Day of Morris Day and the Time, and Young MC have withdrawn from the initial lineup. McBride announced her decision on social media, stating she had been assured the event was nonpartisan before withdrawing. Young MC wrote that artists were not informed about political involvement and that he hoped to perform in Washington at a future nonpartisan event.
Morris Day posted that his band would not appear.
Milli Vanilli member Fab Morvan confirmed he would perform. In a statement issued May 28, 2026, Morvan said: "I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them. Let's celebrate life & music and take a trip down memory lane."
A spokesperson for Freedom 250 did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The initial roster also included the Commodores.
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