A Washington, D.C., judge dismisses a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by the Kennedy Center against jazz musician Chuck Redd after he canceled a concert at the venue. According to multiple reports, the dispute centers on the Kennedy Center board’s decision to add President Donald Trump’s name to the building, which Redd cited as part of his protest. Redd’s attorneys argue that the judge ruled in his favor, and at least one outlet reports that the judge found the Kennedy Center did not sufficiently establish that Redd had signed a binding contract for the performance.
Several sources also describe the legal basis for the dismissal as involving protections in Washington, D.C., intended to guard against certain types of lawsuits that may target protected expressive activity. The Kennedy Center’s suit, which sought damages reported in the range of about $1 million, is rejected. The ruling prevents the case from moving forward, and Redd’s side characterizes the decision as favorable.
