Kennedy Center demands $1M from jazz musician who pulled out of annual Christmas Eve concert in protest at Trump renaming
Kennedy Center threatens musician with lawsuit over Trump protest
- The Kennedy Center's board has controversially renamed the iconic Washington, D.C. arts venue to include the president's name, sparking widespread criticism.
- Following the renaming, musician Chuck Redd cancelled his long-running Christmas Eve Jazz Jam, prompting Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell to threaten a $1 million lawsuit for damages.
- Grenell and vice president of public relations Roma Daravi criticised artists who cancel shows due to political differences, with Grenell stating he "will not let" artists cancel "without consequences".
- Congresswoman Joyce Beatty has filed a lawsuit challenging the name change, arguing that an act of Congress is required to officially alter the centre's designation.
- The renaming has led to a significant drop in ticket sales for various performances and numerous cancellations or postponements by artists, alongside strong condemnation from members of the Kennedy family.