Morris Day and Young MC say they will not perform at the “Freedom 250” concert series on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., an event tied to the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration. The decision follows the festival’s announcement and comes amid public backlash over perceived connections to former President Donald Trump.
Morris Day, performing with the band Time, withdraws first, stating he and the group have nothing to do with political involvement. Young MC then follows, also citing concerns related to the Trump association. Multiple outlets report the artists’ exits as a response to the controversy surrounding the government-sponsored series.
Variety also reports that C+C Music Factory is weighing whether to participate after the backlash and the artists’ departures. The same reporting notes that C+C Music Factory and the artists’ representatives say the musicians were not told about any political involvement, even as the festival’s associations draw criticism.
The festival remains part of the summer schedule of America’s founding celebrations on the National Mall, but the lineup changes as additional performers reassess participation.
