Morris Day Denies He’s Playing Controversial ‘Freedom 250’ Gig in D.C.

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.

Some fans expressed relief in response to Day’s posts denying he would not be performing, while others wondered if he was booked but pulled out due to the swift backlash.

Day’s press rep and agency did not immediately respond to Variety‘s requests for comment. Variety was also unable to reach Freedom 250 for comment on the discrepancy between the advertising and Day’s claim.

“C-O-O-L…. Because several of us was giving y’all the side eye,” wrote one relieved fan on Facebook, in response to Day’s disavowal. “Lawd I was about to throw away everything you beautiful cats have done!!!” wrote another. And: “Oh, I am so happy! I’ve walked around all day pissed off and disappointed in y’all, lol.” Some were still skeptical, though, like the user who wrote: “Rumor? Your name is printed on the advertisement.” Wrote another: “When Morris Day found out he was about to get canceled, it’s now a rumor.”

The bill aroused plenty of commentary on social media apart from just Day’s advertised involvement. Some have wondered about the lineups of Milli Vanilli, which has not been a duo since the death of Rob Pilatus in 1998, or C+C Music Factory, which is touted on the poster art with only a photo of Freedom Williams, the only remaining original member after the exits of titular founders David Cole (who died in 1995) and Robert Clivillés.

So far, the other artists advertised as headlining concerts during the June 25-July 10 fair on the Mall have not spoken up about their involvement.

The Freedom 250 banner was involved in another recent controversial event, the Rededicate 250 religious event that took place on the National Mall May 17, “a full day of prayer, music, and testimony” that some detractors felt blurred the line between church and state. Participants in that event included such Washington figures as Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio and Mike Johnson as well as Christian leaders like Franklin Graham and other prominent evangelical figures. The president delivered a video address to the gathering.

Notably, Trump’s name does not appear on promotional materials for the events. “Freedom 250 is the national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday,” says a mission statement on the org’s website. “Working together with the White House Task Force 250, federal agencies, and the Commission, Freedom 250 serves as the official public-private partnership that connects, aligns, and amplifies national and local efforts to deliver the defining presidential moments of this anniversary year.”

One Morris Day gig that is apparently still on is the “Purple Rain” costar and his reconstituted version of the Time playing at Paisley Park’s annual Prince celebration at the Armory in Minneapolis on June 5.

The lineup on the fair’s website lists the performers and dates as follows:

Special Guests, Speakers, & Performers Music Icons
Martina McBride | June 25 Four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and Grammy-nominated performer known for powerhouse country hits like “Independence Day” and “A Broken Wing.
C+C Music Factory | June 26 Grammy-winning dance music group behind global hits like “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”
Vanilla Ice | June 26 Multi-platinum rapper and pop culture icon best known for “Ice Ice Baby”
Milli Vanilli | June 26 Internationally recognized pop duo known for chart-topping hits, including “Girl You Know It’s True”
Young MC | June 26 Grammy Award-winning rapper best known for the iconic hit “Bust a Move” and high-energy 90s hip-hop performances.
The Commodores | June 27 Legendary funk and soul band behind timeless hits like “Brick House,” “Easy,” and “Three Times a Lady”
Morris Day and The Time | June 27 Iconic funk and R&B group known for electrifying performances and classics like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird”
Flo Rida | July 2 Multi-platinum global hitmaker behind chart-topping anthems like “Low,” “Right Round,” and “Good Feeling”
Bret Michaels | July 3 Multi-platinum rock icon and frontman of Poison, known for legendary hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Nothin’ But a Good Time”