Jon Stewart notes not-that-Jeff-Epstein represents bands dropping out of Freedom 250 concert: 'What the f---?'

Raechal ShewfeltTue, June 2, 2026 at 5:37 AM UTC

0

Jon Stewart hosts 'The Daily Show' on June 1
Credit: Comedy CentralKey Points -

TheDaily Show host Jon Stewart highlighted a report Monday that "Jeff Epstein" is the name of the booking agent used by many of the acts for the disastrous Freedom 250 concert event.

Several of those acts have dropped out of the event, stating that they felt it was partisan, though it purported not to be.

Late convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has caused President Donald Trump political problems.

Jon Stewart was left perplexed on Monday's edition of The Daily Show, after pointing out that many of the acts who've dropped out of concerts planned by the government's Freedom 250 organization were booked by an agent with the name "Jeff Epstein."

"What the f—?" Stewart exclaimed. "Jeff Epstein of Universal Attractions is in charge of — forgive me — recruiting talent for a Donald Trump party. That’s what you’re telling me?!”

Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted child sex offender, died in 2019. Questions about what President Donald Trump did and didn't know about the late Epstein's life and his handling of files related to the case have continued to cause the president political headaches in his second term.

Jon Stewart on Monday's 'The Daily Show' episode
Credit: Comedy Central

"In planning our country's 250th birthday, somebody had to go into Donald Trump's office and say, 'I know just the guy!'" Stewart said as an image of the event promoter appeared on the screen. "How bad do you feel for that guy? After years of being, 'No, not-that-Epstein,' he finally gets all his acts booked. It's all coming up Epstein. And the acts collapse. He finally thought he was gonna get his happy ending."

With that, the comedian feigned realizing what he'd said.

He tried again, "But nope, nope, once again, they leave him hanging."

When the audience booed, Stewart responded with mock outrage, "Too soon?"

Multiple acts have dropped out of the administration's upcoming events to commemorate America's anniversary in the past week, including Martina McBride, Young MC, Bret Michaels, Morris Day and the Time, and the Commodores.

Advertisement

Country star McBride, for instance, said the event was supposed to be nonpartisan, but it didn't turn out the way.

"I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading," she said in a statement Thursday. "I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. In my mind I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can. I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Wholesome even. Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening."

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.

Young MC, the first to drop out, said much the same, that "artists were never told about any political involvement with the event."

Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner told Entertainment Weekly in a statement last week, "Freedom 250 is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) dedicated to uniting Americans around the nation's 250th anniversary. Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans — welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America."

Morris Day wasn't having it.

"It's a no for me," Day wrote. "Contrary to rumor, Morris Day and the Time will not be performing at the 'Great American State Fair.'"

on Entertainment Weekly

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”