Issa Rae canceled her upcoming appearance at the Kennedy Center now that President Donald Trump is the chairman of the organization.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Rae stated that the current leadership doesn’t reflect her values.
“Hey D.C. Fam,” she wrote, “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.”
Rae added that all tickets will be refunded.
Along with Rae, Shonda Rhimes announced that she would not be affiliated with the Kennedy Center. The TV mogul made the announcement after President Donald Trump became the chairmanship of the organization.
Rhimes shared her announcement about her departure from the board on Instagram with a quote from former President John F. Kennedy.
“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him,” her post read.
Last week, Trump announced a plan to overhaul the Kennedy Center and replaced Biden appointees with new members.
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP,” Trump said 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!”
After Trump was named chair, Deborah F. Rutter, the longtime president was fired from her position, Richard Grenell, a Trump loyalist was appointed the center’s interim president.
The Kennedy Center was established in 1958 when former President Eisenhower signed bipartisan legislation to create a national arts center in Washington. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, raised $30 million for the center. Two months after his assassination, the building was dedicated to Kennedy’s honor.