Singer Morris Day has denied what he is calling “rumors” that he and the Time are set to play a “Freedom 250” concert on the National Mall next month, even though organizers announced him as headlining a show June 27 as part of a 16-day patriotic fair in Washington, D.C. that is controversial for its perceived ties to the Trump administration.
“Contrary to rumors,” Day announced in a graphic on his social media accounts, “Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the ‘Great American State Fair.'” In the comments section, an additional denial was posted, along with an emoji of sunglasses: “It’s a No for Me.”
At least some of the performers who were announced as performers on Wednesday immediately came under fire from music fans who believe playing the Freedom 250 shows constitutes support for Trump, amid the gear-up to Independence Day.
Others announced for concerts by Freedom 250 in the “first wave of participants” include Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, Bret Michaels, Milli Vanilli, Young MC, Martina McBride, C+C Music Factory and the Commodores (who were to have co-headlined a show with Day).
Organizers have said the Great American State Fair and Freedom 250 are nonpartisan, but that hasn’t quelled complaints from those who contend these are tied in with how Donald J. Trump is putting his thumbprint on the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
