- President Donald Trump’s recent election as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is prompting backlash, with several high-profile creatives cutting ties in protest. Issa Rae canceled her sold-out event at the Kennedy Center due to concerns over the institution’s values.
- Television producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes resigned from the Kennedy Center board, citing a quote from former President John F. Kennedy about the importance of artistic freedom.
- Musician Ben Folds and soprano Renée Fleming also stepped away from their roles at the Kennedy Center, expressing concerns about the institution’s direction.
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President Donald Trump’s recent election as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is prompting backlash. Several high-profile creatives are cutting ties with the institution in protest.
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Issa Rae cancels sold-out event
Actress and producer Issa Rae is among the first to take action. Rae, best known for creating, co-writing, and starring in HBO’s “Insecure,” canceled her sold-out event at the Kennedy Center.
“An Evening with Issa Rae” was scheduled to make stops across the country, featuring candid conversations with attendees.
Rae, known for her outspoken commentary on Black culture and social issues, announced her decision on her Instagram Story Thursday, Feb. 13.
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“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” Rae wrote.
She assured followers that all tickets would be refunded.
Her announcement comes after reports that Trump plans to reshape the Kennedy Center’s governing body and programming. Sources told CBS News that he hopes to move away from what he considers “woke culture.”
Shonda Rhimes resigns from Kennedy Center board
Television producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes is also stepping back. On Wednesday, the “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” creator announced her resignation as board member and treasurer of the Kennedy Center.
Rhimes, who was appointed to the board by President Barack Obama, shared her decision in an Instagram post. She included a quote from former President John F. Kennedy, saying, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”
More artistic leaders step away
Rae and Rhimes are not the only creatives cutting ties with the Kennedy Center after Trump’s election.
Earlier this week, musician Ben Folds resigned as artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra. In his announcement, Folds simply wrote, “Not for me.”
Internationally acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming followed suit. On Wednesday, she announced her resignation as an artistic adviser to the center.
In her statement, Fleming praised former chairman David M. Rubenstein, who was removed and replaced by Trump. Rubenstein had served as chairman since 2010.
“I’ve treasured the bipartisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best,” Fleming wrote. “I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country.”
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Kennedy Center events move forward
Despite the high-profile resignations, the Kennedy Center’s schedule remains intact. Upcoming performances include the American Ballet Theatre’s “Crime and Punishment” this month, and a run of “The Sound of Music” this September.
[KENNEDY FELTON]
Creatives in the entertainment industry are cutting ties – just days after President Donald Trump became chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Actress and producer Issa Rae, best known for creating, co-writing, and starring in HBO’s series “Insecure,” is canceling a sold-out tour date at the center. “An Evening With Issa Rae” is scheduled for stops across the country, including D.C., featuring candid conversations with attendees. Rae made the announcement on her Instagram, saying, “Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue.” She added that all tickets would be refunded.
As reported this week, sources tell CBS News that Trump intends to reshape the center’s leadership and programming, pushing to move away from what he considers “woke culture.”
Producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes is also taking a stand, announcing on Instagram that she is resigning as a board member and treasurer of the arts institution. She captioned the post with a quote from former President John F. Kennedy, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” Rhimes was originally appointed to the board by former President Barack Obama.
Their decision follows musician Ben Folds, who announced he is resigning from his post as artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra, simply saying, “Not for me.”
Internationally renowned soprano Renée Fleming added her name to the growing list of departures. On Wednesday, Fleming announced she is stepping down as an artistic adviser to the center. In her statement, she praised former chairman David M. Rubenstein, who was removed by Trump, despite having served since 2010. Fleming wrote, “I’ve treasured the bipartisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best. I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country.”
Despite these high-profile cancellations and departures, the center remains open and active. Upcoming performances include the American Ballet Theatre’s “Crime and Punishment” and the iconic Sound of Music returning in September.
Media Landscape
This story is a Media Miss by the right as only 13% of the coverage is from right leaning media. Learn more
Left 50%
Center 38%
Right 13%
Bias Distribution
37 other sources covering this story
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