Artists are dropping out of Trump's Freedom 250 concert. The exodus has quickly become a meme

A 16-day Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, featuring exhibits from 56 states and territories, was planned for June 25 through July 10. The flagship event, the Great American State Fair, was promoted with a lineup of nine artists. Within 48 hours of the lineup announcement, most performers backed out. Artists cited concerns that they were not informed the event would be political and said it shifted toward divisive messaging. Martina McBride, Young MC, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, The Commodores, Morris Day & The Time, Bret Michaels, and Flo Rida were initially teased, but six stepped down. Milli Vanilli’s situation also created confusion online, with one member confirming participation while the group’s real vocalists said they would not perform.

"The 16-day festival is to be hosted on the National Mall, featuring exhibits from 56 states and territories, similar to a World's Fair, running from June 25 through July 10. The fair has gained attention for its extravagance, including 110-foot Ferris wheel, and its ties to the president, but is now making headlines for a scarce artist lineup."

"The initial announcement teased nine artists who would play across various days, including Martina McBride, Young MC, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, The Commodores, Morris Day & The Time, Bret Michaels, and Flo Rida. But less than 48 hours after the announcement, most of the announced artists have backed out. As of publication, six have stepped down from performing."

""I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading," McBride said via social media. Michaels shared a similar note, saying "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 artists who backed out include Milli Vanilli, Martina McBride, Young MC, the Commodores, Morris Day & The Time, and Bret Michaels, with many of them pointing out that they allegedly were not made aware the event was political. One of the two faces of Milli Vanilli, Fab Morvan, confirmed that he will be performing at the event. However, the band's real vocalists spoke out and stated they will not be"

Read at Fast Company