Rapper Vanilla Ice has defended his decision to perform at the America 250's Great American State Fair, stating he is proud to celebrate the country's birthday and that his participation is not political.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, the 58-year-old artist, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, expressed surprise that celebrating the nation's birthday has drawn backlash. He said he is "honored" to have been asked to perform and that he "always raise[s] the flag" at his concerts.
"I'm proud because I know what we've gone through for 250 years to be where we are. And I am proud because I'm friends with so many soldiers," Vanilla Ice stated. He also noted that many individuals he works with on "The Vanilla Ice Project" are Marines who have taught him about ethics and what it means to be a "real American," honoring veterans.
Vanilla Ice believes such celebrations are "part of our freedom" and an opportunity for people to "come together." He described himself as "just an entertainer" and suggested it is unfair for performers to be "dragged into politics." He feels that people are taking things too seriously and should instead enjoy the concert as a celebration of the country. "Music brings people together, and that's what it's all about," he said.
The rapper's stance comes as several other artists, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, and Young MC, announced they were withdrawing from the lineup. While he respects their decisions and understands they may face pressure, Vanilla Ice stated that the criticism only "reinforced" his resolve to perform.
He told Martha MacCallum on "The Story with Martha MacCallum" in June that he does not like being told he cannot be proud of his country. "I'm born here. I'm raised here. I'm proud of it. I represent it everywhere I go. I wear the American Flag everywhere I go," he said. He added that it is a "shame" that musicians face such pressure.
Vanilla Ice initially shared his excitement for the event in a May Instagram video, promising to "bring back the 90s" and calling the concert an "epic party" that would "bring us all together." He emphasized in the caption that "This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America's birthday."