Vanilla Ice is standing by his decision to perform Great American State Fair’s Freedom 250 concerts after multiple acts have dropped out due to President Donald Trump’s association.
“Happy birthday America 250 years. It’s gonna be an epic party,” the rapper, 58, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 28, alongside a video sharing his excitement for the event. “This is to bring us all together. I’m tired of all the news channels dividing this country. We are all one.”
Ice added that the event is not a “political platform” but a celebration for “America’s birthday.”
“Nothing too serious just enjoying some fun, dancing and great memories,” he continued. “Hope you guys can join us.”
In the video, Ice shared that he was “super honored” to be one of the performers at the show.
“It’s all about enjoying the great times of 250 years. From George Washington to now. All the presidents and everybody in between, this is a magical event that’s gonna happen,” he explained. “It’s very rare. I’m honored, man. This is gonna be epic. And that’s it. We don’t take anything too seriously and we’re gonna bring the ‘90s, that’s how it works.”
Ice’s response comes shortly after multiple musicians confirmed they would no longer be taking the stage for Freedom. The concerts were promoted as “nonpartisan” events leading up to July 4th, but the official website featured photos of the president and first lady Melania Trump. Fans also raised their eyebrows after seeing that Freedom 250 lists the White House and numerous government agencies — including the Departments of Homeland Security and Department of War — as well as corporations linked to the Trump administration as event sponsors.
Country superstar Martina McBride, rock star Bret Michaels, legendary group The Commodores and more announced they would no longer be participating in the event.
“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, 63, said in a statement on Thursday. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable. Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.”
A spokesperson for the Great American State Fair reacted to multiple artists withdrawing from the event.
“[The event is] really about the Americans that are going to show up to celebrate our country. That’s what it’s really about,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland told DC News Now’s Sunrise on the Hill on Friday, May 29. “We come together as Americans to celebrate our country.”
In addition to Ice, Flo Rida and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli are all still scheduled to perform. The Great American Fair will run from June 25 to July 10.
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