PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rapper LL Cool J and R&B artist Jazmine Sullivan have both withdrawn from their scheduled performances at a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, standing in solidarity with nearly 10,000 striking city workers.

LL Cool J and Sullivan were slated to headline performances at the Wawa Welcome America Festival on Friday, alongside other artists.

In a video message shared on his social media, LL Cool J expressed that he could not, in good conscience, perform while workers are on strike, saying, “There’s no way I can take the stage, cross a picket line, and accept payment while people are out there demanding fair pay.”

He added, “I’m holding out hope that the mayor and city representatives can reach a deal. I truly want things to work out.”

LL Cool J emphasized he never wants to disappoint his fans and remains open to performing if a resolution is reached in time.

The festival comes amid an ongoing citywide strike, now in its fourth day. Garbage has started to accumulate in certain neighborhoods, and more than 30 workers from the Medical Examiner’s Office have been ordered back to work to deal with a backlog of bodies.

Sullivan, who hails from Philadelphia and is a Grammy award winner, posted on Instagram Friday that she supports the city workers in their demand for fair wages. “I stand with the workers until the city and the union can agree on a living wage for our community’s workers,” she wrote. “I love Philly and believe in you. We’ll celebrate once there is progress.”

Grammy-winning singer Jazmine Sullivan performs the national anthem before Game 5 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies on November 3, 2022, in Philadelphia.

Negotiations between city officials and District Council 33 — the largest of the four major unions representing city employees — ended late Wednesday but are expected to continue. This union includes many essential workers such as sanitation staff, administrative personnel, and security guards. Police officers and firefighters are not participating in the strike.

The city's proposed contract includes a three-year term with yearly raises of approximately 3%, which the union criticizes as inadequate. They argue it equates to only about $1,000 more per year, post-tax, for employees earning an average of $46,000.

Mayor Cherelle Parker has stated that the current offer represents the city's best effort, emphasizing that a total wage increase of about 13% over four years — including a 5% raise last year — along with an additional step in the pay scale, makes it one of the strongest contracts the union has seen in years.

Garbage is seen accumulating at a drop site on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Philadelphia.

In response to LL Cool J’s decision, Mayor Parker shared that she spoke with him directly on Thursday. “I respect his position and understand his call for unity in the city,” she said. “He will always have a warm welcome in Philadelphia.”

The union acknowledged LL Cool J’s support, calling it a powerful gesture that showcases his dedication to social responsibility. “His involvement brings welcome attention to our efforts and motivates others to stand up for workers’ rights,” the union stated. “We’re encouraged to see well-known figures standing with everyday people.”

On Thursday, a judge from the Common Pleas Court granted the city’s request to have Medical Examiner’s Office employees return to duty, due to a building health concern caused by piled-up deceased bodies in storage. These workers include investigators, technicians, and administrative personnel.

This ruling came a day after the court previously mandated select emergency dispatchers and essential water utility workers to resume their roles.

A resident is seen dropping off garbage at a collection center on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Philadelphia.

The mounting trash in parts of the city has become a growing concern for both citizens and local authorities. Officials are urging residents to follow set garbage disposal rules and to report any collection issues. The city is working diligently to manage waste and establish more accessible drop-off sites despite the ongoing strike.