LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan drop out of 4th of July concert due to DC 33 strike

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan, the headliners for Philadelphia's 4th of July celebration concert, have dropped out amid an ongoing strike with District Council 33, the city's largest blue-collar workers' union.

"I never ever want to disappoint my fans, and especially in Philadelphia. Ya'll mean too much to me, but there's absolutely no way that I could perform, cross a picket line and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage," he said in an Instagram post Thursday night.

Sullivan, a Philadelphia native, posted a similar message on Friday afternoon.

"In this life we are only measured by how we uphold our morals and standards, by what we choose to fight for through participation or protest. Today I choose to not perform at the Wawa Welcome America concert and stand with Philly's DC33 until the city and union find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class. I love my city and I believe in you. Hopefully we will get to celebrate when things are better," the R&B artist wrote on Instagram.

District Council 33 President Greg Boulware applauded the decisions by both artists.

"His support underscores the significance of the labor movement and its ongoing fight for justice and equity. We are grateful for his exemplary stance and the impact it has on raising awareness and fostering respect for working people everywhere," said Boulware in a statement.

"Ms. Sullivan, your courageous stand serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who tirelessly contribute to the well-being of our communities," added Boulware after Sullivan made the announcement to drop out.

Mayor Cherelle Parker released statements, adding that she respected LL Cool J and Sullivan.

Negotiations with DC 33 and the City of Philadelphia have been stalled since the strike began at midnight Tuesday.

MORE | Trash piles up in parts of Philadelphia as blue-collar city workers remain on strike

The latest round of talks began Wednesday but ended overnight without a deal. There's no word on when discussions will resume.

DC 33 is made up of roughly 9,000 workers who provide services like street repair and trash pickup. Their membership also includes some airport workers, members of the Water Dept. and 911 dispatchers.