Kennedy Center seeks $1 million after artist forces it to cancel annual Jazz Christmas Eve concert

Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell warned musician Chuck Redd on Friday that he would be seeking $1 million in damages after the venue had to cancel its Christmas Eve jazz concert at the last minute because the host pulled out.

Redd, who was scheduled to be the host of the annual concert, said he was canceling his appearance on Wednesday because the board decided to rename the landmark as "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

Grenell blasted Redd for his "partisan political" move in a letter, claiming it was "classic intolerance [that was] very costly to a non-profit arts institution," according to the Associated Press.

"Regrettably, your action surrenders to the sad bullying tactics employed by certain elements on the left, who have sought to intimidate artists into boycotting performances at our national cultural center," Grenell wrote. "Your dismal ticket sales and lack of donor support, combined with your last-minute cancellation has cost us considerably. This is your official notice that we will seek $1 million in damages from you for this political stunt."

Grenell highlighted some of the success the center has seen under its new leadership, stating that before President Donald Trump got involved, the center was bound for "severe deterioration, with recommendations for full demolition and rebuild."

The venue's president also claimed that ticket sales for jazz performances at the center have largely been good, but that Redd's concert was not filling up as it should have. 

"This institution remains dedicated to excellence and accessibility for generations to come, and we will not yield to the pressure tactics being directed at us from political performers on our stages," he wrote. "True artists perform for everyone regardless of the political affiliation of audience members."

Redd has not yet commented on the letter.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.