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. The 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, known legally as Charles, withdrew from his long-held position as host of the center’s annual free Christmas Eve concert in protest of the center’s controversial decision to include Donald Trump’s name on the building’s portico. Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated that no individual should have to endure unfounded and politically motivated legal actions initiated by the Trump Administration.
For years, Redd had been a host and performer at the center’s Christmas Eve concerts, but he canceled his appearance last year shortly after Trump’s name was added to the building. The Kennedy Center threatened to sue Redd for withdrawing, citing intolerance and seeking damages of $1 million. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed 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 conflicts that arose when Trump assumed control of the center by dismissing long-time chair David Rubinstein in February. Since then, various figures in arts and culture have distanced themselves from the center, 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. Despite the changes, the center plans to challenge the ruling through an appeal, while Redd’s legal team supported the judge’s decision as fitting.
The Kennedy Center, renowned for hosting over 2,000 events annually and serving as the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, continues to navigate the aftermath of these events.