The number of people scheduled to perform at the Donald Trump-sponsored Freedom 250 event continues to dwindle, and Bret Michaels has confirmed he will not perform due to "threats and safety concerns.".
Michaels, the fifth artist to drop out of the Freedom 250 festival, announced he would not perform at the event, joining four other artists who dropped out within 48 hours of the lineup's announcement. "When this opportunity was first pitched to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active duty service members, first responders, teachers, and hardworking Americans from all walks of life," he wrote in a statement posted on social media.
«"My concerts have never been political," he continued. "They're meant to give people the opportunity to come together, have a great time, and forget about life's stresses for a few hours. Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has turned into something far more controversial than I agreed to. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of my fans, the band, the film crew, my family, and myself, including completely unfounded and inexcusable threats.".
Ultimately, Michaels decided to "step away" from the event. "It's not about politics. It's about staying true to what I've always believed in," he added. "Everyone has the right to their own opinion. It's one of the freedoms our veterans fought for, and something I've always respected.".
ONE-STOP STORE: Shop your favorite brands anytime, anywhere. Find out what's next. Shop. Collect. Enjoy.
Michaels's withdrawal from the event came shortly after Morris Day, Young MC, The Commodores, and Martina McBride announced their withdrawal a day after the lineup was announced, with some admitting they were unaware of its nature. Of the nine announced performers, only Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli have commented on the backlash and confirmed their intention to perform. C&C Music Factory frontman Freedom Williams suggested he was weighing his options for the band, while Flo Rida is the only one who has not yet commented on the situation.
The concerts were planned as part of the Great American State Fair, a multi-week event on the National Mall held as part of Trump's Freedom 250 initiative to commemorate America's 250th anniversary.
Related news
A Trump adviser criticized Ted Cruz for allegedly "begging" him to take a photo with Nicki Minaj. Akademiks says he doesn't regret voting for Donald Trump: "I don't care that I'm black." The latest episode of Stephen Colbert's show was marred by graffiti against Donald Trump and CBS.
Related news
Drake has set a UK chart record by becoming the first artist to have three albums debut in the top 10.
Takashi Murakami and Japanese band THE WAVY continue their collaboration with MNNK Bro. Project, releasing a new song, "SHUTOKO TOKYO.".
ONE-STOP STORE: Shop your favorite brands anytime, anywhere. Find out what's next. Shop. Collect. Enjoy.
We make culture vibrant. Here you'll find the latest news from the world of entertainment, as well as the best content on music, pop culture, sneakers, style, and original shows.