Artists bail on D.C. bash for America’s 250th birthday after being listed on the lineup

Two musical artists listed as performers at an upcoming event on the National Mall in D.C. to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary are saying 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 on Wednesday, but shortly after, Morris Day and The Time and Young MC 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,’” said a graphic posted by the artist on social media. “It’s A No For Me,” the post added. Young MC also said in a social media post that he told his agents he would not perform at the event. “The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event,” the rapper wrote. “I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged,” he added. 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 announcements by the artists came shortly after the Freedom 250 announced the “first wave” of participants, including hip-hop acts Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida, country star Martina McBride, funk and soul group The Commodores, dance-pop act C+C Music Factory, and Bret Michaels, the frontman for the glam metal band Poison. 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,” 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 an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight at the White House.