The John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts puts on its annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam every year. It's normally a festive night where musicians gather for holiday music and good vibes. But not this year. Instead of festive harmony, the event has sparked a million-dollar legal battle tangled up in politics.
For nearly twenty years, Chuck Redd has been a familiar face at this event; now, the veteran jazz drummer is dealing with an unexpected legal battle. The dispute arose after Redd withdrew from the performance to protest the inclusion of Donald Trump's name at the iconic Washington, D.C. venue.
The £790,000 Ultimatum Over a Cancelled Christmas Tradition
In a formal letter obtained by the New York Post, Kennedy Centre President Richard Grenell has sought damages totalling £790,000 ($1,000,000). Grenell has categorised the musician's sudden departure as a 'political stunt'.
The president of the arts centre claims that the withdrawal was not only abrupt but also financially damaging to the non-profit institution. While a formal lawsuit has yet to be filed in court, the threat of such a substantial financial penalty has sent shockwaves through the jazz community.
Redd informed the Associated Press that his decision to cancel the show was triggered by seeing the name change on both the building and the centre's official website. For a performer who has graced the stage for twenty years, the move marks a significant rupture in a long-standing professional relationship.
Chuck Redd is facing a stupid lawsuit for simply exercising his right to cancel a gig. Trump💩Kennedy Center is 🚽 Please consider donating or sharing to help cover legal costs. Every voice counts!https://t.co/AmQ4jvqNJe
— rOb PreuSS 🇨🇦 (@rObPreuSSx) December 27, 2025
Grenell Slams Withdrawal as a Costly Political Stunt
Richard Grenell has been vocal in his criticism of the drummer's actions, framing the move as an act of intolerance. In his letter to Redd, Grenell stated, 'Your decision to withdraw at the last moment — explicitly in response to the Centre's recent renaming, which honours President Trump's extraordinary efforts to save this national treasure — is classic intolerance and very costly to a non-profit arts institution.'
The letter further alleged that Redd was succumbing to external pressures. Grenell wrote: '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 centre.'
Beyond the political arguments, Grenell also raised concerns regarding the commercial viability of Redd's specific show. He claimed that 'dismal ticket sales and lack of donor support' for the drummer, paired with the cancellation, resulted in considerable costs.
The Kennedy Centre head concluded his correspondence with a firm warning. He noted, 'This is your official notice that we will seek $1 million in damages from you for this political stunt.'
Fans Rally for Chuck Redd with GoFundMe Support
As news of the £790,000 ($1,000,000) demand circulated, social media users quickly mobilised in support of the musician. Many netizens have suggested that Redd should initiate a GoFundMe campaign to cover potential legal fees or damages.
Jason Corradini weighed in on Facebook: 'If he loses, I would donate to his GoFundMe. Putting your name on another man's memorial, sick!' Similar reactions flooded social media as people voiced their disgust.
Other supporters were equally enthusiastic about a potential fundraiser. One Facebook user commented, 'Ridiculous. We need to start a GoFundMe for our friend Chuck Redd.' Another added: 'If anyone starts a GoFundMe campaign for this guy, I'm all in.'
Jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled the Kennedy Center's annual free Christmas Eve Jazz Jam, an event he has hosted since 2006, following the board's decision to rename the venue "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
— The scoop stateside (@ScoopStateside) December 28, 2025
Kennedy Center… pic.twitter.com/w1SBGWwToh
Legal Questions Surface Regarding Contractual Obligations
The controversy has sparked a debate regarding the legalities of the contract between the musician and the venue. Some observers suggest that the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts might provide a valid reason for cancelling.
One Threads user argued, 'He doesn't need a GoFundMe page. He agreed to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The name change gives him a clear and legal right to abrogate the contract.'
Another commenter questioned the specific entity involved in the agreement. They asked, 'Which is it? Kennedy Center or Trump-Kennedy Center? I'm certain Mr Redd had a contract with the Kennedy Center and not the latter.'
Grenell, however, remains firm in his stance that the arts should remain separate from political boycotts. Posting the news on X, he remarked, 'The left is boycotting the arts because Trump is supporting the arts. But we will not let them cancel shows without consequences. The arts are for everyone – and the Left is mad about it.'
