Trump-Kennedy Center Hits Jazz Star with $1M Lawsuit For Backing Out Of Christmas Eve Show
The Trump-Kennedy Center is suing jazz musician Chuck Redd for $1 million after he canceled his Christmas Eve performance due to the venue's renaming.Summary
The Trump-Kennedy Center is pursuing legal action against jazz musician Chuck Redd, seeking $1 million in damages after he canceled his annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam performance. Redd, a veteran musician who has performed with jazz legends, cited the recent addition of President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center as his reason for withdrawing. Center President Richard Grenell accused Redd of a politically motivated “stunt” that caused financial harm to the non-profit institution, stating his decision was “classic intolerance.” The center’s leadership also pointed to declining attendance at Redd’s event prior to the renaming, contrasting it with the venue’s current success. They argue that artists have a duty to perform for all audiences regardless of political beliefs, and framed Redd’s cancellation as “selfish” and “intolerant.” The lawsuit signals the Trump-Kennedy Center’s willingness to enforce contractual obligations even when artists object to the venue’s political associations, and represents an escalation in tensions between the center and artists who oppose the renaming.
(Source：Zerohedge)