A judge in Washington has directed the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to compensate jazz artist Chuck Redd with over $250,000 in legal fees. This ruling 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, an American drummer and vibraphonist, withdrew from his role as the host of the center’s annual free Christmas Eve concert in response to the controversial decision to add Donald Trump’s name to the building’s façade. Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated that no individual should have to endure the burden of defending against unfounded and politically driven lawsuits filed by the Trump Administration.
Redd, a long-time performer at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts, canceled his appearance last year after Trump’s name was displayed on the building. Following his withdrawal, the center threatened to sue Redd for $1 million, citing his decision as intolerant and detrimental to the non-profit organization. However, the lawsuit was later dismissed by the judge due to the center’s failure to establish a valid breach of contract claim.
In a separate ruling, a federal judge declared that Trump’s name was unlawfully added to the Kennedy Center. This dispute originated when Trump assumed control of the center, leading to the removal of key figures like David Rubinstein from the board of trustees.
Since these changes, numerous figures in the arts and culture sphere have distanced themselves from the center or canceled scheduled appearances, including Canadian author Louise Penny, Shonda Rhimes, and Issa Rae. The Kennedy Center confirmed the removal of Trump’s name from its façade in June, with only the words “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” remaining visible.
The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the ruling, while Redd’s legal team views the judge’s decision as fitting. They criticized the Trump-influenced center for attempting to suppress opposition to the unauthorized name change through a frivolous lawsuit against Chuck Redd. The Kennedy Center hosts a vast array of events annually and serves as the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera.