US comedian John Oliver has targeted the Trump-backed music festival Freedom 250 in a scathing roast. The festival, which was announced in February, boasts a lineup of artists including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, and the Commodores, but in recent days, several acts have dropped out.
According to reports, McBride, Michaels, and the Commodores are among the artists to have pulled out of the festival, with Oliver labelling the remaining lineup 'people you haven't thought about since 2009'. Oliver's comments come as the organisation behind the festival faces increasing criticism for its handling of the event.
Freedom 250 is set to take place in the United States this year, with the exact dates still to be confirmed. The festival was announced by former US President Donald Trump, who has been a long-time supporter of the event.
The news has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the choice of artists and the festival's organisation. Oliver's roast has been widely shared on social media, with many praising his biting commentary.
While the news may seem far removed from the UK, it highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Trump's business dealings and public appearances. In the UK, the ongoing debate surrounding the government's handling of arts funding and cultural events has also sparked renewed calls for transparency and accountability.
As the festival's organisation continues to face criticism, it remains to be seen how the event will proceed. With several high-profile artists already dropping out, it is unclear whether the festival will be able to recover from the backlash.