A jazz musician who abruptly decided not to host a Christmas Eve concert at the Trump Kennedy Center is facing a $1 million lawsuit for what the venue’s director calls a “political stunt.” This was announced on Friday.
The annual “Christmas Eve Jazz Jam” has been canceled after drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd withdrew in protest against the center’s recent naming in honor of President Trump.
In a letter shared with the Post, Trump Kennedy Center Director Richard Grenell informed Redd that they planned to seek “damages” due to Redd’s decision to cancel for “partisan political reasons.”
“Your last-minute withdrawal, clearly in reaction to the renaming of the center in recognition of President Trump’s efforts, represents a form of intolerance that comes at a high cost for a nonprofit arts organization,” Grenell wrote.
He added that Redd’s actions are part of the unfortunate bullying tactics from certain groups on the left intended to coerce artists into boycotting the National Cultural Center.
According to Grenell, attendance at the Jazz Jam, which Redd has hosted in previous years, has “significantly lagged” behind other holiday events.
He noted, “The contrast between the public’s indifference to your program and the success we are seeing under your new president is clear,” as conveyed by a senior official from the Trump administration.
“The most celebrated and innovative performers in your genre will continue to perform regularly and, unlike you, they will have sold-out crowds regardless of their political views,” Grenell continued.
Additionally, he claimed that Redd’s “poor ticket sales and lack of donor support” combined with his late cancellation “cost us dearly.”
“This is your official notice that we are seeking $1 million in damages from you for this political act,” he stated.
Redd has not yet replied to a request for comment.
On December 18, the board of the performing arts venue unanimously voted to add Trump’s name to the building, which sparked significant backlash from critics of the president.
“When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then in the building shortly after, I knew I had to cancel the concert,” Redd said in a statement on Wednesday.
Artists such as Lin-Manuel Miranda had previously declared that they would no longer support the center due to Trump’s changes to the board of directors.
Roman Daravi, the vice president of communications for the Trump Kennedy Center, expressed to the Post that artists who cancel performances due to political beliefs lack courage and principles. “They are selfish and fall short of the responsibility public artists have to perform for all,” she said.
“Art is meant to be a shared experience that unites, not divides,” she added. “The Trump Kennedy Center is truly a bipartisan institution, welcoming artists and audiences of all backgrounds. Great art transcends politics, and we remain committed to providing programming that resonates with everyone.”
