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 renowned American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his annual hosting duties at the center’s Christmas Eve concert as a protest against the addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s exterior. Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated, “No one should have to endure unfounded and politically motivated lawsuits instigated by the Trump Administration.”
Redd, a long-time performer at the center’s holiday concerts, pulled out of the event last year shortly after Trump’s name was displayed on the building. The Kennedy Center threatened to sue Redd for canceling, citing intolerance and seeking $1 million in damages. However, the lawsuit was later dismissed by the 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 unlawful. This ruling stemmed from a series of conflicts initiated when Trump assumed control of the center, dismissing David Rubinstein, the long-serving chair of the Kennedy Center’s board.
Following Trump’s involvement, various figures in the arts and culture community distanced themselves from the center or canceled appearances, including Canadian author Louise Penny, Shonda Rhimes, and Issa Rae. The Kennedy Center confirmed the removal of Trump’s name from the facade in June, although a tarp still covered the scaffolding.
The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the judge’s decision while Redd’s legal team praised the ruling as appropriate. The institution, known for hosting over 2,000 events yearly, serves as the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera.