Judge Tosses Kennedy Center Suit Over 2025 Chuck Redd Cancellation as Trump Renaming Unravels
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Judge Tosses Kennedy Center Suit Over 2025 Chuck Redd Cancellation as Trump Renaming Unravels
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Summary
Federal Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier threw out the Kennedy Center’s breach-of-contract case against jazz musician Chuck Redd, finding the center failed to show he signed a 2025 agreement to perform.
Redd had canceled the annual Christmas Eve concert after the board added President Trump’s name to the venue, and the judge said the unsigned contract undercut the center’s claim that he broke an enforceable deal.
The center had sought damages for lost goodwill, marketing expenses and preparation costs, but the court noted the concert was free and was ultimately canceled after multiple artists withdrew.
The ruling adds to the fallout from the naming fight: on June 5, staff were ordered to remove Trump’s name from materials and signage by June 12 after another judge ruled only Congress can rename the institution.