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 a lawsuit filed by the center against Redd for breach of contract, by the same judge, Tanya Jones Bosier of the District of Columbia Superior Court.
In 2025, Chuck Redd, a renowned American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his long-standing role as host of the center’s annual free Christmas Eve concert. This decision was a response to the controversial addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s white marble portico. Redd’s lawyer, Lisa J. Banks, stated that the lawsuit filed by the Trump Administration was baseless and politically motivated.
For years, Redd had been a fixture at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts. However, he pulled out of the event last year after Trump’s name was prominently displayed on the building. The Kennedy Center threatened to sue Redd for withdrawing at the last minute, citing intolerance and seeking $1 million in damages. The lawsuit was later dismissed by the judge due to a lack of valid breach of contract claim.
In a separate legal development, a federal judge ruled that the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was illegal. This ruling stemmed from a conflict initiated when Trump assumed control of the center, leading to the removal of several board members. Since these changes, numerous figures in the arts and culture sphere have distanced themselves from the center.
The Kennedy Center has confirmed the removal of Trump’s name from the facade, with ongoing legal battles and appeals expected. Redd’s legal team praised the judge’s decision, denouncing the center’s attempt to stifle opposition to the name change. The Kennedy Center, known for hosting over 2,000 events annually and housing prestigious musical ensembles, remains embroiled in controversy surrounding its recent changes.