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 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, Redd, an American drummer and vibraphonist also known as Charles, withdrew from his long-standing role as host of the center’s annual free Christmas Eve concert in protest of the addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s white marble portico. Redd’s lawyer, Lisa J. Banks, expressed that no individual should have to endure baseless and politically motivated lawsuits, particularly those initiated by the Trump Administration.
For years, Redd had been a host and performer at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts. However, he pulled out of the event last year shortly after Trump’s name was affixed to the building. Subsequently, the center threatened to sue Redd, claiming his withdrawal was intolerant and costly to the non-profit arts institution. The lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages 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 Trump’s name had been unlawfully added to the Kennedy Center, stemming from the conflict initiated when Trump dismissed David Rubinstein, the long-time chair of the Kennedy Center. Since then, various figures in arts and culture have distanced themselves from the center or canceled appearances.
The Kennedy Center has confirmed the removal of Trump’s name from its facade, following the legal ruling. The institution plans to appeal the decision, while Redd’s lawyers consider the judge’s ruling appropriate. The Kennedy Center, known for hosting over 2,000 events annually and housing the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, remains at the center of this controversy.