Bret Michaels is walking away from the Trump administration's Freedom 250 concert, and he's not holding back about why.
The Poison frontman announced his exit from the Great American State Fair concert in Washington, D.C., via a statement shared on Instagram, saying the event became "something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of." Michaels was promised a nonpartisan celebration of America's 250th anniversary that would honor veterans, military personnel, first responders, and hardworking Americans. That pitch did not match reality.
"As many of you know, I've spent my entire career bringing people together through music, positivity, and good vibes," Michaels wrote in his statement. "My shows have never been about politics. They're about giving people a place to come together, have a great time and forget about life's stresses for a few hours."
Michaels also flagged serious safety concerns, citing "threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable" directed at him, his fans, band, crew, and family. He did not elaborate on what those threats entailed, but the mention of security fears adds weight to his exit.
Michaels is the latest high-profile artist to withdraw from the Freedom 250 lineup, following country star Martina McBride and rapper Young MC. All three have pointed to the same issue: a concert billed as apolitical that apparently became anything but.
In a parting shot, Michaels made clear his decision "isn't about politics," but rather "staying true to what I've always believed in." He also promised fans in the D.C. area that he would return to perform in the nation's capital "under circumstances where the focus can remain on what it should be — the music and the fans."
For more details, read the full story on Rolling Stone.
