Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell is taking legal action against jazz musician Chuck Redd after the performer abruptly canceled a long-standing Christmas Eve concert. Grenell is seeking $1 million in damages, labeling the cancellation a "political stunt" that harmed the nonprofit institution.
The dispute began after the center’s board voted unanimously to rename the facility the "Trump-Kennedy Center." Redd, who has hosted holiday shows at the venue since 2006, pulled out specifically because of the name change.
Grenell’s letter to Redd accused him of "classic intolerance" and failing to honor his professional commitment. He noted that the renaming was intended to honor President Trump’s efforts to save the iconic national treasure.
The center’s vice president of public relations, Roma Daravi, also criticized the move, stating that artists have a duty to perform for all people. She argued that "great art transcends politics" and that canceling over political differences is "selfish."
This conflict follows several other high-profile cancellations by artists since Trump’s return to office. Lin-Manuel Miranda also called off a production of "Hamilton" following the changes at the D.C. institution.
The Kennedy family has been vocal in their opposition to the rebranding, with Maria Shriver calling it "beyond comprehension." Despite the backlash, the center has moved forward with new signage reading "The Trump Kennedy Center" on the building's exterior.