LL Cool J won't perform in the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Concert in Philadelphia, saying he won't "cross a picket line" amid the ongoing strike involving the city's largest municipal workers' union.

Philadelphia

LL Cool J has announced he will not headline the Wawa Welcome America Festival in Philadelphia, choosing to support the city's largest municipal workers' union during their ongoing strike. The artist stated his decision was based on not wanting to cross a picket line while workers are fighting for a living wage.

District Council 33, representing the striking workers, praised LL Cool J's stance as a strong show of support for labor rights. Philadelphia's mayor expressed understanding and respect for his decision. While LL Cool J remains in the city in case an agreement is reached, Jasmine Sullivan is set to perform at the event as planned.

LL Cool J backs out of Philadelphia concert in support of workers

All right, from Florida to Philly and a union strike at that CBS News Philadelphia reports this is having an impact on who's taking the stage at today's 4th of July celebrations. Good morning Janelle, it'll go on but not with LL Cool J and as you know thousands of people were hoping to see him on the stage here tonight but as we've been reporting all morning you know the hip-hop artist says that he is not going to cross the picket line. I understand there's a lot going on in Philadelphia right now and you know I never ever ever want to disappoint my fans and especially in Philadelphia y'all mean too much to me but there's absolutely no way that I could perform across a picket line and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage. And that was hip-hop legend LL Cool J posting on social media announcing he will not headline the Wawa Welcome America Festival in light of the city's worker strike. Now district council 33 also released a statement responding to the rallies it reads in part LL Cool J's decision to stand in solidarity with the labor movement by choosing not to cross a picket line is a powerful testament to his respect for workers' rights. His support underscores the significance of the labor movement and its ongoing fight for justice and equity. Mayor Sherrell Parker also weighing in saying I spoke personally with LL Cool J today. I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unify. He is always welcome in Philadelphia. Now we are told that LL Cool J is in town and remains here just in case anything changes and both parties come to an agreement. Meanwhile Jasmine Sullivan says that she is ready to take the stage. Janelle, so far there are no plans for talks today at least at this point that we know of. Thank you for that LaKesha.

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