The fallout from the Great American State Fair continues to mount, and now the legacy of C+C Music Factory has become the latest piece of the scandal.
While frontman Freedom Williams previously insisted he still planned to perform at the event despite the backlash, C+C Music Factory co-founder Robert Clivillés publicly distanced himself and the band's legacy from the performance.
In a statement posted on social media, Clivilles said he was "neither involved in the organization of the event, nor consulted on it, nor endorsed it in any way," adding that Williams' personal opinions should not be interpreted as those of Clivilles, the late David Cole, or the creators of C+C Music Factory.
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Clivilles went further, emphasizing that audiences deserve clarity about who represents the brand. "My concern isn't simply the use of the name, but the confusion that can arise when audiences, promoters, media, sponsors, or organizations begin to believe that a performance, appearance, endorsement, political affiliation, social position, or public statement reflects the views, approval, or involvement of the original creators of C+C Music Factory, when that is not the case," he wrote.
This announcement adds another layer of confusion to an event already facing a rapidly changing lineup. According to CBS News, Williams previously released a lengthy video explaining that he accepted the invitation to speak several months ago without being informed of the event's political implications. Although he made clear he does not support Donald Trump, Williams stated he still intends to perform, arguing he will not allow public pressure to dictate his decisions.
Meanwhile, artists continue to refuse to participate in the program altogether.
Morris Day of The Time quickly denied reports of his participation, writing, "No." Shortly thereafter, Young MC announced that he had instructed his team to exclude him from the event, claiming the artists had not been initially informed of the event's political ties.
The departures didn't stop there. The Commodores released a statement announcing they would not perform, explaining that they had decided not to publicly endorse any political party.
Martina McBride also withdrew from the event, saying she had been assured it was non-partisan and later concluded the information she had received was "misleading.".
Bret Michaels also announced his departure, citing concerns about the increasingly divisive reaction to the festival.
Not everyone is leaving. Vanilla Ice confirmed he still plans to perform, and organizers continue to maintain that the Freedom 250 and the Great American State Fair are nonpartisan events celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
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