Trump-Kennedy Center filing $1M lawsuit against musician who pulled out of Christmas Eve concert over name change
The jazz musician who caused a stir by backing out of hosting a Christmas Eve concert at the Trump-Kennedy Center is now facing a $1 million lawsuit for his actions. Chuck Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player, decided to cancel the annual “Christmas Eve Jazz Jam” in protest of President Trump’s name being added to the iconic venue.
President Richard Grenell of the Trump-Kennedy Center sent a letter to Redd, stating that the institution plans to seek damages against him for his decision to abandon his hosting duties for “partisan political reasons.” Grenell accused Redd of showing intolerance and bowing to bullying tactics employed by certain elements on the left.
Grenell also mentioned that attendance for the Jazz Jam, which Redd had hosted for several years, was lagging behind other holiday offerings at the center. He pointed out that other performers in Redd’s genre were able to attract sold-out crowds regardless of their political leanings.
The Trump-Kennedy Center president criticized Redd for his “dismal ticket sales and lack of donor support,” and stated that the last-minute cancellation had cost the institution considerably. Grenell officially notified Redd that they would seek $1 million in damages for the political stunt.
Redd has not yet responded to the request for comment. The controversy began on December 18 when the board of trustees announced the unanimous decision to add Trump’s name to the building, sparking backlash from the president’s critics.
In response to the name change, Redd made the decision to cancel the concert. Other artists, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, had also announced that they would not hold events at the venue in protest of Trump’s changes to the center’s board of directors.
Trump-Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations, Roma Daravi, criticized artists who choose to cancel shows at the venue over political differences, calling them selfish and intolerant. Daravi emphasized that art should unite people and that the Trump-Kennedy Center remains committed to presenting programming that inspires and resonates with all audiences, regardless of political affiliations.
