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      <p>The <a href="https://blkcosmo.com/?s=Freedom+250" target="_self">Freedom 250</a> event just announced its first wave of performers for the Great American State Fair, and the rollout is already messy. Some artists are backing out. Others are digging in their heels. And at least one performer is airing his grievances from what appears to be a very unconventional location.</p>
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      <p><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Black%20Cosmopolitan%20%2B%22Freedom+250%22">Freedom 250</a> isn't getting the easy rollout organizers probably hoped for. C+C Music Factory's Freedom Williams is taking direct aim at critics upset about his participation in what many perceive as a politically charged event.</p>
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      <p>In a raw, unfiltered 7-minute monologue recorded from his bathroom, Freedom Williams said he initially nearly pulled out. He insists he doesn't align with Trump. But the moment people started calling for his cancellation, his calculus shifted entirely.</p>
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      <p>"The day I let you motherf***ers tell me what to do is the day I die," he said, making his position crystal clear.</p>
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      <p>Williams doubled down, declaring he'd vote for literally anyone before surrendering to what he views as mob pressure. His defiance essentially became his defining statement on the situation.</p>
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      <p>C+C Music Factory co-founder Robert Clivillés quickly separated himself from Williams' comments, posting that any political or religious views Williams expresses have nothing to do with the group's actual stance. Clivillés suggested Williams shouldn't even be representing the band.</p>
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      <p>But that internal conflict is only part of the story. Several high-profile artists listed on the lineup are now saying they're out. Young MC, the Grammy-winning artist behind the 90s hit "Bust a Move," announced he's withdrawing his participation. According to his statement, the artists weren't informed about political involvement in the event beforehand, and outlets like SPIN have described it as Trump-backed despite organizers claiming it's non-partisan.</p>
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      <p>"The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event," Young MC wrote. He emphasized wanting to perform in D.C. eventually, just not at something this politically charged.</p>
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      <p>Morris Day and the Time were also on the initial roster. Morris Day posted a firm correction: they won't be performing. "It's A No For Me," he wrote, leaving zero room for speculation.</p>
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      <p>The lineup still includes performers like Martina McBride, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, the Commodores, Flo Rida, and Bret Michaels. Whether they stay put or follow the exodus remains to be seen. Event organizers haven't commented on the departures.</p>
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