Judge Orders Kennedy Center To Pay $252,000 In Musician's Legal Fees
A Washington judge ordered the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to pay musician Chuck Redd $252,479.70 in attorneys' fees and legal costs on Monday, August 10, 2026.[1]
Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier wrote the order awarding $252,479.70, after dismissing the Kennedy Center's breach-of-contract suit in June under the District of Columbia's anti-SLAPP law.[1] The judge found Redd's December 2025 cancellation was protected public-interest speech, rejecting the center's attempt to collect about $1 million in alleged damages.[1]
On December 24, 2025, Redd canceled his Christmas Eve performance after President Donald Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center's facade.[1] The fee award covers attorneys' fees and legal costs accrued while Redd defended against the suit.[1]
The fee ruling comes amid broader litigation over Trump's control of the Kennedy Center, including a federal court order that removed his name from the building and ongoing disputes about planned multi-year closures.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, August 10, 2026, Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier ordered the Kennedy Center to pay Chuck Redd $252,479.70 in attorneys’ fees and legal costs.
- Redd canceled his December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve performance after President Trump’s name was added to the Kennedy Center facade, and the center responded by seeking $1 million in alleged damages.
- In June 2026, the judge dismissed the Kennedy Center’s breach-of-contract lawsuit under D.C.’s anti-SLAPP statute, finding Redd’s cancellation was protected public-interest speech.
- The fee ruling comes amid broader litigation over Trump’s control of the Kennedy Center, including a federal court order that led to removal of his name from the building and ongoing disputes over planned multi-year closures.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time