Country singer Martina McBride has announced she will not be participating in a concert next month to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
McBride explained she was misled about the nature of the event, The Hill reported.
“I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading,” McBride wrote on Instagram. “I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states.”
McBride was one of the artists scheduled to perform during the Great American State Fair, a 16-day exposition that runs from June 25 through July 10, Freedom 250 organizers announced this week.
McBride said she originally viewed the event as “a bigger version” of the many state fairs she had performed at over the years, but “things started changing.”
“I’ve spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one,” she wrote. “It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs.”
McBride is not the only singer to back away from the project following concerns about President Donald Trump’s potential involvement. Others include Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, and the C+C Music Factory.
Michaels said on Instagram early Friday he has made the ‘difficult decision 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 unforgiveable.”
“I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged,” Young MC on Facebook, revealing he would be pulling out of the show.
Freedom 250, the nonprofit organizing many nationwide events to commemorate the U.S. semi-quincentennial, has maintained that the state fair is not affiliated with the White House.
“Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans — welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America,” spokesperson Rachel Reisner said.
Rappers Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice are still scheduled to perform on the National Mall.
