Kennedy Center Ordered to Pay Jazz Musician in Legal Dispute

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., faces a legal setback. A superior court judge ordered the center to pay over $250,000 to jazz musician Chuck Redd. The decision followed Redd’s cancellation of his annual Christmas Eve concert, a tradition he upheld for nearly two decades. The musician halted the performance after the center added President Trump’s name to its facade in December of the previous year.

Following the cancellation, the Kennedy Center vowed to sue Redd for $1 million, alleging breach of contract. However, Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier dismissed the case. She cited Washington, D.C.’s anti-SLAPP statute, which safeguards public interest speech. As a result, the center must cover Redd’s legal costs, totaling $252,479.70. The center plans to appeal the ruling.

Lisa J. Banks, one of Redd’s attorneys, praised the decision. She highlighted that citizens should not shoulder the burden of defending against politically charged lawsuits initiated by the Trump Administration. This context underscores the complexity of the legal battle.

Significant changes occurred at the Kennedy Center. In June, the center removed Trump’s name from its facade. This action followed a federal court decision. Despite these changes, Trump continues as chairman, having replaced previous key figures with allies in February 2025.

The center’s future remains unclear. Most public programming and educational activities remain on hold. Trump announced plans to close the complex for two years of renovations, beginning July 5. However, the Federal District Court in Washington mandated updates on construction plans and public access. Judge Christopher R. Cooper allowed the board time to research and vote.

The board plans to convene this month to discuss the future. Reports indicate that Democratic board members, including Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), have not received plans for review. NPR reached out to Sen. Whitehouse for comment but has not yet received a response.