One of the Biggest Names Bails on 250th Concert Series

Bret Michaels just became the latest big name to bail on the Trump-aligned Freedom 250 concert series planned for the National Mall. The former lead singer of Poison had been scheduled to close the five-night run on July 3, reports Deadline. In a lengthy online post, Michaels wrote that he had been honored when invited to take part.

• "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." He said he's received threats and worried about the safety of his fans, family, and band. "Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the performance."

• Michaels joins Martina McBride, The Commodores, Morris Day, and Young MC in exiting the lineup for the concerts, part of the Great American State Fair marking the nation's 250th birthday. All told, more than half of the performers originally announced have bowed out, notes the Washington Post, with most citing reasons similar to those mentioned by Michaels.
• Still on the bill: Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, C+C Music Factory, Flo Rida, and Trump favorite Kid Rock. How organizers will fill the holes in the schedule is unclear.

• "This isn't about politics," said Michaels of his decision to bail, per Billboard. "It's about staying true to what I've always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That's one of the freedoms our veterans fought for and something I've always respected. But as a father, friend and bandmate, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously."
• The group Freedom 250, created by an executive order by President Trump to organize the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, did not sound troubled by the exodus. "We respect the rights of any artist to make their own decisions, and our doors remain open to any performer who wants to be part of honoring 250 years of American freedom, culture and unity," said Rachel Reisner, a spokesperson.