Award-winning actress, writer, director and media mogul Issa Rae is canceling her sold-out appearance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts over President Donald Trump’s “infringement” on the institution’s values.
Rae, who is widely known for the critically acclaimed HBO series Insecure and her role in the blockbuster Barbie, announced Thursday that she was pulling out of her sold-out show in Washington because of what she believed to be “an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums.”
Why It Matters
The announcement comes a day after the Kennedy Center board voted to appoint President Donald Trump as its chairman. Trump had purged the board of Biden appointees just days earlier, replacing them with Trump loyalists.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.
What To Know
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has sent ripples through the arts community. At least three leaders have resigned in the wake of Trump’s chairmanship.
Showrunner Shonda Rhimes, who was appointed to the board by President Barack Obama, resigned from her treasurer position Wednesday. Soprano Renée Fleming and songwriter Ben Folds also announced they were leaving their posts as artistic adviser at large and artistic adviser, respectively, of the National Symphony Orchestra, which is overseen by the Kennedy Center.
It’s not only Rae who canceled an upcoming appearance. Rock band Low Cut Connie did the same on Thursday.
Rae had been expected to appear for “An Evening with Issa Rae,” which was scheduled for March 16. The event has been removed from the venue’s website.
New members of the board include faces from the new administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, second lady Usha Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino and Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office Sergio Gor.
It also includes the spouses of some of Trump’s loyalist allies, such as Allison Lutnick, wife of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Andrea Wynn, wife of GOP megadonor Steve Wynn. Country singer Lee Greenwood, whose song “God Bless the U.S.A.” was a staple at Trump rallies, and Fox News’ Laura Ingraham are other new additions to the board.
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Richard Grenell, Trump’s special U.S. envoy, has been appointed the center’s interim executive director.
What People Are Saying
Actress, writer and director Issa Rae, on Instagram on Thursday: “Thank you so much for selling out the Kennedy Center for ‘An Evening With {Me}”. 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. All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon.”
Deborah Rutter, former president of the Kennedy Center, in a Wednesday statement: “The goal of the Kennedy Center has been to live up to our namesake, serving as a beacon for the world and ensuring our work reflects America. I depart my position proud of all we accomplished to meet that ambition. From the art on our stages to the students we have impacted in classrooms across America, everything we have done at the Kennedy Center has been about uplifting the human spirit in service of strengthening the culture of our great nation.”
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Adam Weiner, of the rock band Low Cut Connie, in a Thursday Instagram post: “I was very excited to perform as part of this wonderful institution’s Social Impact series, which emphasizes community, joy, justice and equity through the arts. Upon learning that this institution that has run nonpartisan for 54 years is now chaired by President Trump himself and his regime, I decided I will not perform there.”
Ben Folds, singer-songwriter, in a Wednesday Instagram post: “Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me. It’s been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music.”
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social Wednesday: “It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!”
