A judge in Washington has ruled that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must compensate jazz artist Chuck Redd with over $250,000 in legal fees. This decision follows the dismissal of the center’s lawsuit against Redd for breach of contract by Judge Tanya Jones Bosier of the District of Columbia Superior Court.
In 2025, Redd, a prominent American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his long-standing role as host of the center’s annual free Christmas Eve concert in objection to the controversial addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s facade. Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated to CBC News that battling unfounded and politically motivated lawsuits from the Trump Administration should not be a citizen’s burden.
For years, Redd had been a regular host and performer at the Christmas Eve concerts at the center. However, he pulled out of the event last year shortly after Trump’s name was affixed to the building. The center threatened to sue Redd for withdrawing at the last minute, citing intolerance and seeking $1 million in damages. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed by the Washington judge as the center failed to provide a valid breach of contract claim.
A federal judge ruled in May that the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was unlawful. This ruling stemmed from a series of changes initiated by Trump, including the dismissal of long-time Kennedy Center chair David Rubinstein earlier in the year. Following these alterations, various figures in the arts and culture scene distanced themselves from the center or canceled scheduled appearances.
The Kennedy Center has confirmed the removal of Trump’s name from its facade, although a tarp still covers the scaffolding, making it unclear if only “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” remains visible. The center plans to appeal the court’s decision, while Redd’s legal team commended the judge’s ruling as fitting. The Kennedy Center is a prominent venue that hosts over 2,000 events annually and serves as the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera.