Morris Day moved to clear up a rumor about Morris Day and the Time performing at Freedom 250’s “The Great American State Fair” this June, insisting on Instagram that “It’s a no for me,” even as festival organizers still listed the band as a headlining act.
Morris Day didn’t wait for the next poster update—he took to Instagram to shut down a rumor that his funk rock band, Morris Day and the Time, was headed to Freedom 250’s “The Great American State Fair.”
The singer posted on Wednesday, writing, “Contrary to rumor [sic], Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the ‘Great American State Fair.’” He followed that with a blunt add-on: “It’s a no for me.”
The timing landed in the middle of a festival lineup announcement. Organizers for Freedom 250’s “The Great American State Fair” had shared a roster of entertainers set to appear during the 16-day patriotic celebration on the National Mall in Washington. D.C. The event is scheduled to kick off on June 25.
That Wednesday statement included a mix of big names, with Martina McBride, Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, C+C Music Factory and Bret Michaels among those listed.
Day’s denial came even though Morris Day and the Time was still shown at the time of publishing as one of the headlining acts. The festival materials also suggested the band was booked for June 27, billed alongside fellow funk group, The Commodores.
Freedom 250’s update described “The Great American State Fair” as a World Fair-style celebration of America’s 250th birthday. meant to bring together all 56 U.S. states and territories. Organizers said it will run from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument and include live entertainment, immersive exhibits, patriotic tributes, innovation showcases, cultural programming and family-friendly attractions. The statement also said mainstage performances by legendary artists are scheduled for every Thursday. Friday and Saturday night. and that Freedom 250 would continue to announce additional performers. speakers and participants in the weeks ahead.
A festival that still had Morris Day and the Time on the headliner list while Day publicly insisted “It’s a no for me” left at least one clear emotional reaction in the comments—one follower wrote, “Thank goodness. I had a heart attack when I saw.”
A representative for Freedom 250 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Morris Day Morris Day and the Time Freedom 250 The Great American State Fair National Mall Washington D.C. Instagram Martina McBride Flo Rida Vanilla Ice Milli Vanilli C+C Music Factory Bret Michaels The Commodores