A Washington, D.C., judge ordered the Kennedy Center to pay $252,479.70 in legal fees to jazz musician Chuck Redd. Redd canceled his annual Christmas Eve performance in December 2025 after President Donald Trump’s name was added to the building’s facade, prompting a breach of contract lawsuit.
The legal dispute traces back to late December 2025, when the arts center’s leadership added President Donald Trump’s name to the exterior facade. Chuck Redd, a vibraphonist and drummer who had hosted his annual holiday jazz concert at the venue for nearly 20 years, decided to back out of the free event on Dec. 19, as reported by NPR.
What followed was legal action from the institution’s administration. Richard Grenell, who was then serving as the facility’s president, initially threatened to sue the musician for $1 million in damages. The Kennedy Center later formally accused Redd of violating a morals clause, claiming he chose to abuse a public forum to make a political statement while costing the center marketing expenses, sunk preparation costs, and lost public goodwill.
Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier Dismisses Lawsuit Under Anti-SLAPP Statute
The effort collapsed in June when Superior Court Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier dismissed the breach of contract suit. The dismissal was granted under the district’s anti-SLAPP statute, a law designed to protect public interest speech.
In her ruling, the judge noted that because the concert was free, the facility did not lose ticket revenue. Furthermore, the entire holiday performance was ultimately canceled because multiple other artists also canceled their appearances, meaning the center did not incur costs for staff or other performers.
While several performers stepped back from the facility’s programming, legal filings highlighted that Redd was the only artist who publicly stated his reasons for leaving, and he appeared to be the only one who was sued.
Attorney Lisa J. Banks Defends Free Speech and Condemns Retaliation
Lisa J. Banks, an attorney representing Redd, issued a statement regarding the litigation tactics.
“No citizen should have to spend time and money fending off baseless and politically motivated lawsuits filed by the Trump Administration.”
Lisa J. Banks, attorney for Chuck Redd via NPR
Banks also maintained that the Kennedy Center tried to silence opposition to its name change by targeting her client with a lawsuit.
Accounting for Legal Costs and the Center’s Plan to Appeal
Following the June dismissal, a legal battle over attorney compensation ensued. In her order, Judge Bosier confirmed that she conducted a good faith evaluation of records to exclude hours that are arguably duplicative, excessive, or unnecessary. The final tally ordered the Kennedy Center to pay $252,479.70 to cover legal fees accrued by Redd, to be paid within the next 45 days.
A Kennedy Center spokesperson confirmed that the organization intends to appeal the decision.
Broader Administrative Turmoil at the National Cultural Center
In February 2025, Trump ousted the Kennedy Center’s previous president, board chair, and board members, and replaced them with close allies and supporters; he remains chairman. The future of the Kennedy Center is still uncertain, as most of its public programming and educational activities remain suspended.
The president’s name was removed from the center in June after a board member successfully argued that the addition was illegal, and federal courts have ordered an update from the complex’s administration on its plans regarding construction, programming, and public access.
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