Milli Vanilli Will Not Perform at Freedom 250 Concert

Milli Vanilli has officially withdrawn from the upcoming “Great American State Fair,” a pro-Donald Trump event scheduled for Washington, D.C., to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The group issued a statement on Thursday, May 28, clarifying that they will not participate in the Freedom 250 concert series under any circumstances.

Despite being listed on the event’s promotional materials for a June 26 performance, the group distanced itself entirely from the festival. They explicitly warned that any act performing under the name “Milli Vanilli” at the event should be viewed as a tribute group rather than the authentic artists, noting that the performers in question have no connection to their music or vocal legacy.

“The true vocalists of Milli Vanilli—Jodie Rocco, Linda Rocco, Brad Howell, John Davis, and Charles Shaw—will not be appearing at the Great American State Fair,” the group stated. “Any advertisement implying otherwise is inaccurate, as these individuals have no association with our sound or our history.”

The festival, set to run at the National Mall from June 25 to July 10, has faced further setbacks. Young MC, originally slated to join the lineup alongside Vanilla Ice, confirmed his exit via social media, stating he had instructed his representatives to cancel his appearance. Additionally, Morris Day of The Time has formally disassociated himself from the event, confirming he will not perform.

The Freedom 250 festival is still slated to host acts such as Flo Rida, The Commodores, Bret Michaels, and Martina McBride. The situation has reignited interest in the history of Milli Vanilli, which was founded by producer Frank Farian. After the group’s massive success in the late 1980s, the public learned that the duo—consisting of Fab Morvan and the late Rob Pilatus—had lip-synced their tracks, with Farian having recruited actual vocalists to record their hits. Jody Rocco later expressed confusion over the event’s promotional claims, reiterating that the group’s identity was being used without authorization.

Milli Vanilli secured their place in pop history with iconic Billboard Hot 100 hits like “Blame It on the Rain,” “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You,” and “Baby Don’t Forget My Number.”

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