A-Listers Ditch Trump’s UFC Cage Fight Bash Amidst Concert Chaos

President Donald Trump’s UFC cage fight on the White House lawn is facing a major celebrity snub, with A-listers like comedian Adam Sandler and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson opting out of the event, marking yet another rejection of a Trump celebration for America’s 250th anniversary.

UFC President Dana White revealed that stars such as actor and musician Jared Leto and television host Mario Lopez were invited to the event scheduled for June 14, Trump’s birthday. However, representatives for these celebrities confirmed they will not attend.

This latest refusal follows a series of high-profile withdrawals from Trump-related events. Recently, several musicians backed out of performances at the Great American State Fair after discovering it was sponsored by Freedom 250, a group linked to Trump.

The White House and UFC have not provided comments regarding the celebrity absences. The event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, is set to take place on the South Lawn, where a ring and seating for approximately 4,500 have been constructed, alongside a large temporary arch named “The Claw.”

White disclosed that former NFL player Tom Brady, actor Jason Statham, and filmmaker Guy Ritchie were also invited. Their representatives have yet to respond to inquiries about their attendance.

While marketed as part of the America 250 celebrations, the event coincides with Trump’s birthday, suggesting a gathering of his friends and allies. White stated that Trump has 1,000 tickets to distribute, with both he and Ari Emanuel of TKO Group Holdings having only 200 tickets each. The remaining tickets are allocated to military members.

With assistance from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump has selectively chosen allies to attend the event.

For those unable to be present at the White House, UFC Freedom 250 is organizing a free watch party for tens of thousands on The Ellipse.

Public sentiment appears largely negative towards the event. A recent YouGov survey indicated that 51 percent of Americans disapprove of the cage fight being part of the 250th celebrations.

The Trump administration has encountered numerous publicity hurdles while attempting to host events, particularly those associated with Freedom 250. At least six out of nine musical acts slated for the Freedom 250 concert series from June 25 to July 10 have announced their withdrawal, citing a desire to avoid political discourse or claiming they were misled about the event's nonpartisan nature. This includes artists like Bret Michaels and Martina McBride.

Freedom 250 operates independently from America250, a nonprofit established to support a nonpartisan congressional commission created years ago.