POISON frontman Bret Michaels has announced that he will no longer take part in the upcoming Freedom 250 concert series scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C.
Michaels revealed his decision in a statement shared on social media, explaining that concerns over the event’s direction, as well as security issues, led him to step away from the performance.
“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,” Michaels wrote. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
The rocker joins a growing list of artists who have withdrawn from the Freedom 250 concert series since its announcement earlier this week. Among those who have also canceled their appearances are MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME, Young MC, the COMMODORES, and Martina McBride.
Several of the departing performers have stated that they were unaware of the event’s political affiliations when they initially agreed to participate. According to reports, the Freedom 250 series was organized through a private-public partnership founded by President Donald J. Trump.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, Young MC explained his decision to withdraw from the event: “I had no clue it was considered a ‘Trump-backed’ event, so that was new to me. My whole thing was ‘tell me what the event is, what it’s about, who you are, and then give me the choice of whether I want to do the event or not.’ I was never given that choice. I was told one thing and then it was a bait-and-switch. All the comments I’ve seen from the artists that have dropped out thought it was supposed to be a regular show in D.C.”
Despite the growing number of cancellations, organizers maintain that the purpose of Freedom 250 is to celebrate the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary and bring people together.
Freedom 250 spokeswoman Julia Friedland said the event is dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation’s semiquincentennial. The Great American State Fair is one of the organization’s signature events, bringing together all 50 states in a world’s fair-style celebration.
Another Freedom 250 spokeswoman, Rachel Reisner, addressed the recent artist departures, stating: “We respect the rights of any artist to make their own decisions, and our doors remain open to any performer who wants to be part of honoring 250 years of American freedom, culture, and unity.”
She continued: “There is far too much to celebrate about this great nation to let noise and division distract from the incredible moment ahead — and we look forward to welcoming millions of Americans to a fair that belongs to all Americans.”
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