ALBAWABA - Bill Maher joked about the growing controversy surrounding Trump’s Freedom 250 concert lineup.
During his Real Time monologue on Friday night, Bill Maher made fun of the numerous performers who had withdrawn from President Donald Trump's upcoming Freedom 250 concert series.
“We’re having a big 250th birthday party for America, a concert. They announced the lineup. Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Morris Day, Bret Michaels,” he said. “I think this is very admirable about the president, it shows he’s concerned for the unemployed.”
Maher continued, “And then, after they announced this all-star lineup, a lot of them said, ‘No, what are you talking about? We are not playing. That must have stung a lot when you can't complete the deal with Milli Vanilli."
Bret Michaels and The Commodores announced their withdrawal from the performance series on Friday, joining several other musicians. In a statement on his website, the Poison lead singer explained that “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.”
“Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable,” Michaels’ statement continued. "I regret to inform you that I have decided to withdraw from this performance. This is not about politics. It's about keeping true to my core beliefs. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. That is one of the freedoms for which our veterans fought, and I have always valued it. But as a father, friend, and bandmate, I must take threats and safety issues seriously.
Young MC, Morris Day, and Martina McBride have all left the Freedom 250 performance schedule. Milli Vanilli's name was also announced as part of the lineup, but Jodie Rocco, a member of the group, told the Associated Press on Thursday that she was "shocked" to find it on the list.
The event will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 to July 10, as part of the Trump administration-backed Freedom 250 public-private collaboration.
