Vanilla Ice has defended his decision to perform at Donald Trump's America 250 Concert, insisting the event was about patriotism rather than partisan politics. The 'Ice Ice Baby' rapper spoke out after several major musical acts pulled out of the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair, saying he viewed the performance as an opportunity to celebrate America's 250th birthday rather than make a political statement.
Several artists, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day & the Time, the Commodores and C+C Music Factory, withdrew from the event earlier this week after claiming they had been misled about its political nature. Many said they believed they had signed up for a nonpartisan national celebration but decided to walk away after concluding the event had become closely associated with the Trump administration.