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 the same judge, Tanya Jones Bosier of the District of Columbia Superior Court.
In 2025, Redd, an American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his annual role as host of the center’s free Christmas Eve concert in response to the controversial decision to add Donald Trump’s name to the building’s facade. Redd’s lawyer, Lisa J. Banks, stated that no individual should have to endure unfounded and politically motivated legal actions brought by the Trump Administration.
Redd, who had been a longtime host and performer at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts, backed out of the event last year after Trump’s name was attached to the building. Following his withdrawal, the center threatened to sue Redd, claiming his decision was intolerant and costly. However, the lawsuit was later dismissed by the judge due to the center’s failure to establish 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 conflicts that arose when Trump assumed control of the center, leading to the dismissal of key figures within the institution. Since then, various figures in the arts and culture realm, including Canadian author Louise Penny, Shonda Rhimes, and Issa Rae, have distanced themselves from the center or canceled appearances.
The Kennedy Center has confirmed the removal of Trump’s name from the facade, following the judge’s decision. The center plans to appeal the ruling, while Redd’s legal team praised the judge’s decision as fitting. The Kennedy Center, known for hosting over 2,000 events annually and home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, has been embroiled in controversy surrounding the name change.