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United States of America, ex rel. John F. Kennedy Center v. Chuck Redd
Date: 08-11-2026
Case Number: 2026-CV-****
Judge: Tanya M. Jones Bosier
Court: Superior Court for the District of Columbia
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Washington, DC
Defendant's Attorney:
Click Here For The Best Washington Civil Litigation Lawyer Directory
A D.C. judge ordered the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to pay jazz musician Chuck Redd $252,479.70 in legal fees and costs after dismissing a breach-of-contract lawsuit the venue filed against him.
Background of the DisputeThe Cancellation: Jazz drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd canceled his scheduled free annual Christmas Eve "Jazz Jam" performance in December 2025.
The Reason: Redd pulled out in protest after the center's board added President Donald Trump’s name to the institution's branding and facade.The Lawsuit: Then-center president Richard Grenell threatened a $1 million damage claim, and the center formally sued Redd in March 2026 for breach of contract, citing a morals clause and alleging a political stunt.
Court Rulings
Dismissal: D.C. Superior Court Judge Tanya Jones Bosier dismissed the lawsuit in June 2026, ruling that the center failed to prove a legally binding, signed contract existed for the 2025 event.
Anti-SLAPP Application: The case was tossed under D.C.’s Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute, which protects individuals from meritless lawsuits intended to intimidate or penalize protected public speech.
Legal Fees: In August 2026, Judge Bosier ordered the venue to remit the full defense cost of over $250,000 to Redd's attorneys at Katz Banks Kumin LLP within 45 days.
The Kennedy Center stated its intention to appeal.
Judgement in favor of the Defendant for $252,479.70 in legal fees and costs.
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America, ex rel. John F. Kennedy Center ...?
The outcome was: Motion of Dismiss granted. Judgement in favor of the Defendant for $252,479.70 in legal fees and costs.
Which court heard United States of America, ex rel. John F. Kennedy Center ...?
This case was heard in Superior Court for the District of Columbia, DC. The presiding judge was Tanya M. Jones Bosier.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America, ex rel. John F. Kennedy Center ...?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Washington, DC. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Washington Civil Litigation Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America, ex rel. John F. Kennedy Center ... decided?
This case was decided on August 11, 2026.