Issa Rae Cancels Sold-Out Kennedy Center Show
by EG
Insecure creator Issa Rae has cancelled an upcoming sold-out show at the Kennedy Center in response to President Donald Trump's installing himself as the center's chairman and vowing to stop performances that don't align with his ideology. Grey's Anatomy and Scandal creator Shonda Rimes has also resigned from her position on the center's board following Trump's take-over of the institution. Read on for details.
Issa Rae has canceled an upcoming one-night appearance at the Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump installed himself as chair of the performing arts institution following a vote by the board and the ouster of the longtime president Deborah Rutter.
Rae posted on Instagram that she will no longer appear for her “An Evening With Issa Rae.” The sold-out show was scheduled at the venue for March 16.
“Thank you so much for selling out the Kennedy Center for An Evening with Issa Rae,” Rae said on her Instagram Stories page. “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.”
The Kennedy Center oversees the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Washington National Opera, in addition to presenting theatrical shows, the Kennedy Center Honors and more. Also this week, Shonda Rhimes resigned from the Kennedy Center board.
The Grey’s Anatomy showrunner and Shondaland CEO was also treasurer of the arts institution. The resignation follows an earlier Trump statement that he would fire multiple board members at the Kennedy Center, including chairman David M. Rubenstein, and planned to install himself as chair.
Ge the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.