HBO's anxiety Star Issa Ray canceled a sold-out live show at the Kennedy Center in protest of the leadership of President Donald Trump, a federally funded cultural institution.
Issa Rae was scheduled to appear on March 16th Night with Issa Ray At the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC, the actress announced on Thursday that she had canceled the show.
“Thank you for selling out the Kennedy Center for a night with Issa Ray,” she wrote in a post on Instagram Stories. “Unfortunately, I have decided to cancel my appearance at this venue because I believe it is an infringement of the value of an institution that has faithfully praised artists of all backgrounds through all media.”
She said the ticket would be refunded. “Thank you for understanding, I'll see you soon,” she concluded.
Ray's cancellation marks the latest act of protest by prominent arts and entertainment figures over the shaking of Trump's renowned agency.
Soprano Rene Fleming, pop star Ben Fold and Hollywood television producer Shonda Rhymes have all recently resigned from various roles at the Kennedy Center and its resident companies.
Rhimes had been appointed to the Center's council meeting by then President Barack Obama.
Last week, President Trump began removing board members of the Kennedy Center, appointed by Joe Biden, including shooting chair David Rubenstein. On Monday he announced that special US envoy Richard Grenell would serve as interim executive director of the organization that will take over President Deborah Rutter.
Trump himself took on the role of chairman of the Kennedy Center and vowed to restore the facility's previous glory.
“Last year, the Kennedy Center featured a drug show that was specifically targeted at our youth. Our whole country. For the Kennedy Center, the best hasn't come yet!”
Last year, we featured many drug events at the Kennedy Center.
“Dixie's Tupperware Party” starred Drag Queen Dixie Longte and ran at the Center's Family Theater in May and June.
In December, the center held a drag queen concert entitled “Belta: Grateful Drug.” This is a performance featuring drug singers and musicians in honor of the Grateful Dead Band.
Other drug events include the Broadway Drug Branch, the Dance Queen's Drug Branch, and the Drug Salute to the Divas.
The Kennedy Center receives federal funds in line with the throttle of approximately $40-$50 million each year. It also relies on private donations and ticket revenues to cover operating expenses.
