- 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.
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.
“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.”
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.
