President Donald Trump's patriotic concert continues to unravel after more acts have dropped out.
Several artists slated to perform at the Great American State Fair, a 16-day event organized by the president's nonprofit Freedom 250, have reportedly pulled out of the event, according to statements released on social media since Wednesday, May 27.
The fair, which is expected to run June 25 through July 10, will transform the National Mall in Washington, D.C., into "the biggest, boldest state fair in the country" in honor of the United States' semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, according to the official Freedom 250 website. Scheduled attractions include a Ferris wheel and carousel, as well as rodeo and livestock competitions.
A lineup of music superstars rounded up to perform has collapsed significantly in the last two days, with Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida among the remaining acts.
Bret Michaels, the latest musician to announce his departure, attributed his exit to the event becoming "divisive" as well as threats to his loved ones.
"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," the former Poison star, originally set to perform July 3, wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. "Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable."
Country star Martina McBride, set for a June 25 performance, shared her decision to exit the lineup on X Thursday, saying the event was presented to her as "non-partisan," but "that turned out to be misleading."
The Commodores, meanwhile, announced their exit in a succinct Instagram post.
"Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party. We support the betterment of all Americans," the R&B group said Thursday.
What happened?
Is Milli Vanilli going to stay?
Is Kid Rock available?
Several artists slated to perform at the Great American State Fair, a 16-day event organized by the president's nonprofit Freedom 250, have reportedly pulled out of the event, according to statements released on social media since Wednesday, May 27.
The fair, which is expected to run June 25 through July 10, will transform the National Mall in Washington, D.C., into "the biggest, boldest state fair in the country" in honor of the United States' semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, according to the official Freedom 250 website. Scheduled attractions include a Ferris wheel and carousel, as well as rodeo and livestock competitions.
A lineup of music superstars rounded up to perform has collapsed significantly in the last two days, with Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida among the remaining acts.
Bret Michaels, the latest musician to announce his departure, attributed his exit to the event becoming "divisive" as well as threats to his loved ones.
"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," the former Poison star, originally set to perform July 3, wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. "Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable."
Country star Martina McBride, set for a June 25 performance, shared her decision to exit the lineup on X Thursday, saying the event was presented to her as "non-partisan," but "that turned out to be misleading."
The Commodores, meanwhile, announced their exit in a succinct Instagram post.
"Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party. We support the betterment of all Americans," the R&B group said Thursday.
Nearly all Great American State Fair acts drop out, including Bret Michaels
Several artists slated to perform at President Donald Trump's upcoming Great American State Fair have reportedly pulled out of the event.
www.usatoday.com
What happened?
Is Milli Vanilli going to stay?
Is Kid Rock available?
