Actress and producer Issa Rae took to social media on Thursday to announce she had canceled her “sold out” event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after President Donald Trump was elected as the establishment’s new chairman, CNN reported.
In her post on Instagram Story, Rae, 40, initially expressed her gratitude to her fans 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,” she explained.
“All tickets will be refunded,” she added. “Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon.”
Rae’s decision to cancel her show at the center came after Trump signaled his intention to overhaul the Washington, DC-based center’s operations and board of trustees. Per CNN, Trump’s actions are expected to brew culture wars on the center’s activities.
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP,” Trump posted on Truth Social on February 7. “The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
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Rae’s announcement also came after multiple Hollywood appointees at the center resigned from their roles following Trump’s election. On Thursday, television producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes confirmed she had left her role as a Kennedy Center board member in a post on Instagram.
The Grey’s Anatomy producer shared a story about her resignation and used a quote from former US President John F. Kennedy in her caption. “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him,” she wrote.
Singer and songwriter Ben Folds similarly announced he was resigning from his role as the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra “giving developments at the Kennedy Center.”
“Not for me,” the 58-year-old posted on Instagram. “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.”
He added: “Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians from our nation’s symphony orchestra – just the best!”
Trump has since appointed multiple loyalists as the center’s new board members.
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