The president of Washington's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has launched a fierce attack on a veteran musician who abruptly cancelled a Christmas Eve performance, vowing to seek $1 million in damages for what he calls a 'political stunt.' The controversy erupted after the White House announced President Donald Trump's name would be added to the national arts facility.
A Costly Cancellation and a Heated Accusation
In a letter shared with The Associated Press on Friday, the Kennedy Center's president, Richard Grenell, accused drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd of 'classic intolerance.' Redd had been scheduled to lead the holiday 'Jazz Jams' concert on December 24th, a tradition he has overseen since 2006. Grenell's letter stated the last-minute withdrawal was explicitly in response to the center's recent renaming, which honours 'President Trump’s extraordinary efforts to save this national treasure.'
'Your decision to withdraw at the last moment... is classic intolerance and very costly to a non-profit Arts institution,' Grenell wrote. He confirmed the center would pursue financial restitution, stating, 'I will seek $1 million in damages for this political stunt.'
The Musician's Stance and a Contentious Renaming
Chuck Redd did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP. However, in an email to the news agency on Wednesday, he confirmed his reason for pulling out. 'When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert,' Redd said.
The renaming at the heart of the dispute has sparked significant legal and historical debate. The center was established by Congress in 1964 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. According to the White House, the renaming to include Trump was approved by the former president's handpicked board of trustees.
Legal Challenges and a Vow for Reversal
Legal scholars and historians argue this move violates the original law. The statute explicitly prohibits the board from making the center a memorial to anyone else or from placing another person's name on the building's exterior. Former House historian Ray Smock is among those who state any such changes would require Congressional approval.
In opposition to the change, Kennedy's niece, Kerry Kennedy, has publicly vowed to remove Trump's name from the building once he leaves office. The incident highlights a deep cultural and political divide, pitting administrative actions against legislative intent and artistic protest.
The fallout leaves a prominent holiday tradition in limbo and sets the stage for a potential legal battle over artistic expression, political symbolism, and the stewardship of a national cultural institution.
