Bill Maher Mocks Trump’s Freedom 250 Concert as 6 Acts Withdraw
Updated
Updated · Variety · May 30
Bill Maher Mocks Trump’s Freedom 250 Concert as 6 Acts Withdraw
5 articles · Updated · Variety · May 30
Six acts, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and the Commodores, have pulled out of Trump’s Freedom 250 concert after saying they were misled about his involvement or the event’s nonpartisan framing.
Friday night, Bill Maher used his “Real Time” monologue to ridicule the shrinking lineup, joking that Trump “can’t close the deal with Milli Vanilli” after the withdrawals.
Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli are still scheduled for the National Mall series, which is set to run from June 25 to July 10 ahead of America’s 250th birthday.
The flap echoes Trump’s 2017 pre-inauguration entertainment struggles and adds fresh embarrassment to a high-profile celebration meant to honor the July 6 anniversary.
With artists citing misrepresentation, what does the 'Freedom 250' controversy reveal about event transparency in today's climate?
As ethical questions arise over its funding, what are the rules for corporate sponsorship of major national celebrations?