A judge in Washington has ruled that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must compensate jazz musician Chuck Redd with over $250,000 US for legal fees. This decision follows the dismissal of the centre’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 also known as Charles, withdrew from his long-standing role as the host of the centre’s annual free Christmas Eve concert. This move came in response to the controversial decision by the centre to include Donald Trump’s name on the building’s white marble portico.
Redd’s lawyer, Lisa J. Banks, stated that no individual should have to endure baseless and politically motivated lawsuits from the Trump Administration. Redd, who has been a fixture at the centre’s Christmas Eve concerts for years, pulled out of the event last year following the addition of Trump’s name to the building.
After Redd’s cancellation, the centre threatened to sue him, claiming his withdrawal was intolerant and costly to the non-profit institution. They sought $1 million US in damages, labeling it a “legal stunt.” However, the lawsuit was later dismissed by the Washington judge due to the centre’s failure to present a valid breach of contract claim.
A federal judge ruled in May that the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was done unlawfully. This ruling originated from a conflict that began when Trump assumed control of the centre, leading to the dismissal of long-time chair David Rubinstein.
Numerous figures in the arts and culture sphere have distanced themselves from the centre or canceled appearances since Trump’s name was added to the building. The Kennedy Center confirmed in June that the letters spelling out Trump’s name have been removed, though a tarp covering scaffolding still obscured full visibility of the building’s facade.
The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the judge’s decision, while Redd’s legal team commended the ruling as “appropriate.” The institution, which hosts over 2,000 events annually and is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, remains at the center of this ongoing controversy.