NEW YORK – Recently, the Freedom 250 organization, connected to former President Donald Trump, made headlines by announcing the lineup for “The Great American State Fair” set to take place on Washington’s National Mall this summer. However, just a day after the announcement, some big names, including Milli Vanilli and Morris Day, have stepped forward to clarify that they will not be performing.
Morris Day and Young MC both took to social media to dispute Freedom 250’s claims. In a statement, Jodie Rocco, one of the singers from Milli Vanilli, expressed her surprise at seeing her group’s name listed as performers, stating that neither she nor her sister Linda Rocco had been approached about the event.
“My sister and I were shocked to see our name, ‘Milli Vanilli’, as one of the performers,” Jodie Rocco wrote in an email to The Associated Press.
A spokesperson for Freedom 250 did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The organization, which was launched by Trump late last year, describes itself as a “national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday.” Keith Krach, a former under secretary of state during Trump’s presidency, serves as the CEO.
The music community has had a complicated relationship with Trump and his supporters. Notable artists like Celine Dion, Elton John, and Guns N’ Roses have publicly objected to their music being used at Trump rallies, raising questions about the political affiliations of events like this one.
In an Instagram post, Young MC expressed concerns about the political nature of the National Mall shows, stating, “The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event.” He added that he hoped to perform in D.C. at a more neutral event in the future. Similarly, Morris Day clarified on Instagram that his band, Morris Day & The Time, would not be part of the “Great American State Fair.”
The scheduled performances from Milli Vanilli and Young MC were part of an “I Love the 90s” concert on June 26, while Morris Day was set to perform on June 27. Other artists like the Commodores, Flo Rida, and Martina McBride are still on the lineup. The Great American State Fair is expected to run from June 25 to July 10.
However, one iconic “I Love the 90s” artist, Vanilla Ice, has confirmed his participation. A representative for the rapper stated, “He is proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary! Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA’s Birthday and our Freedom!”
