Bret Michaels, the lead singer of Poison, has announced he will no longer perform at the 'Freedom 250' festival, making him the fifth of nine initially announced artists to withdraw.Michaels cited violent threats and safety concerns for himself, his band, and fans as his reasons for leaving.

The festival, which marks an anniversary of America's founding, is associated with former President Donald Trump and has faced criticism for becoming politically divisive.Earlier, Morris Day, Young MC, the Commodores, and Martina McBride also pulled out, while other performers like Freedom Williams remain undecided.Michaels emphasized that his decision is not politically motivated but focused on safety and maintaining his values.

He expressed respect for the freedoms celebrated by veterans and highlighted that the festival has shifted from a simple patriotic celebration to a controversial event.Only Vanilla Ice and Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan have publicly confirmed they still plan to perform.

The controversy around the festival underscores the challenges artists face when events become politically charged, illustrating how public backlash and safety threats can influence participation in high-profile entertainment events.