A judge in Washington has ruled that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must compensate jazz musician 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 the same judge, Tanya Jones Bosier of the District of Columbia Superior Court.
In 2025, Redd, a renowned American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his annual role as host of the center’s free Christmas Eve concert in response to the controversial addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s facade. Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated that no individual should have to endure the burden of defending against unfounded and politically motivated lawsuits, particularly those initiated by the Trump Administration.
Having been a long-time performer at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts, Redd canceled his appearance last year following the installation of Trump’s name on the building. Subsequently, the center threatened legal action against Redd, seeking $1 million in damages for what they deemed an intolerant and costly decision. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by the Washington judge due to the center’s failure to present a valid breach of contract claim.
A federal judge ruled in May that the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was illegal, stemming from conflicts initiated when Trump assumed control of the center by dismissing key personnel. Several prominent figures in the arts and culture sphere have distanced themselves from the center or canceled appearances since the controversial renaming, including Canadian author Louise Penny, Shonda Rhimes, and Issa Rae.
Although the letters spelling out Trump’s name have been removed from the Kennedy Center’s facade, the institution has indicated its intent to appeal the ruling. In response, Redd’s legal team praised the judge’s decision as appropriate, highlighting the center’s attempt to stifle opposition to the unauthorized name change through a baseless lawsuit against Chuck Redd.
The Kennedy Center, known for hosting over 2,000 events annually and serving as the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, continues to be embroiled in the aftermath of the renaming controversy.