Issa Rae is making it clear she’s not here for Donald Trump’s latest power move. Not even 48 hours after he installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Insecure creator took a bold stand.
Issa Rae has canceled her sold-out event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing a clash of values following Trump’s recent appointment as chairman of the institution.
Last week, the president revealed an aggressive strategy to overhaul the center’s board of trustees and transform the nation’s cultural hub. Trump’s initiative places the performing arts complex in Washington, DC, at the center of the ongoing cultural conflicts. He criticized the center’s programming during his announcement of the proposed takeover last week.
“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!”
In response, Issa Rae shared on Instagram that she is canceling her “An Evening with Issa Rae” event that was set to take place in Washington, D.C., on March 16.
“Thank you so much for selling out the Kennedy Center for ‘An Evening With [Me],’ Rae wrote in a message to her “D.C. Fam” in a Thursday Instagram Story post.
“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.”
“All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding, and I hope to see you soon,” Rae told her more than 4 million Instagram followers.
Issa Rae’s decision follows the resignation of several other influential figures in Hollywood from their leadership roles within the organization after the center announced on Wednesday that Trump had been elected board chairman. A spokesperson for Shonda Rhimes also verified on Thursday that the “Grey’s Anatomy” creator has “stepped down from the Kennedy Center’s board.”
