US Edition
Musician who canceled Kennedy Center holiday performance asks for suit to be dismissed
Redd challenges breach claim using D.C.'s Anti-SLAPP law and argues no signed contract existed; Kennedy Center seeks damages and offered a $7,500 settlement.
- On Friday, musician Chuck Redd filed a special motion in Superior Court in Washington to dismiss the breach-of-contract lawsuit brought against him by the Trump Kennedy Center under the Anti-SLAPP Act.
- Redd canceled his annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam performance last year after the Kennedy Center board voted to add President Donald Trump's name to the institution, prompting the facility to sue.
- According to the filing, Redd was never contractually obligated to perform because he never signed or opened the contract, which the Kennedy Center provided only on Dec 9, 2025.
- Attorneys for Redd argue the suit is an attempt to intimidate artists, though the Kennedy Center previously offered to drop the case for $7,500 and a pledge to avoid political commentary.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty is pursuing separate legal challenges regarding the renaming, as President Donald Trump announced the facility will close for two years for complete rebuilding starting July 4, 2026.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Musician Chuck Redd fights Kennedy Center lawsuit over canceled performance
An internationally known jazz musician asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought against him by the Kennedy Center after he canceled a performance in protest of President Donald Trump’s increased control of the performing arts center. Drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd canceled a Christmas Eve performance he’s hosted at the Kennedy Center for 20 years. Redd was sued for breach of contract, but his lawyer said there’s more at stake than contrac…
Jazz Musician Sued by Kennedy Center Over Canceled Show Asks Judge to Dismiss Lawsuit
Chuck Redd, the musician who canceled a Christmas Eve performance at the Kennedy Center in protest of President Donald Trump’s influence over the venue, is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit the performing arts institution brought against him. In a motion filed in D.C. Superior Court on Friday, lawyers for Redd said the breach of contract suit should be dismissed because he wasn’t contractually obligated to perform. The motion included the co…
Musician who cancelled Kennedy Center holiday performance asks for suit to be dismissed
Chuck Redd, the musician who cancelled a Christmas Eve performance at the Kennedy Center in protest of U.S. President Donald Trump’s influence over the venue, is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit the performing arts institution brought against him.
Jazz Musician Chuck Redd Seeks Dismissal of ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ Lawsuit Against Him Over Canceled Christmas Eve Gig
Jazz musician Chuck Redd filed a motion to dismiss the Kennedy Center's lawsuit against him over a concert he canceled over Donald Trump's name being added to the center.
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