Judge Orders Kennedy Center to Cover Legal Fees for Musician

A court ruling has obligated the Kennedy Center to pay over $250,000 to a jazz musician who canceled his performance following the venue’s decision to rename the building after President Donald Trump.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Tanya Jones Bosier made the ruling on Monday, mandating the payment of $252,000 in legal fees and expenses to Chuck Redd’s attorneys. Redd has been a long-time performer at the center’s annual Christmas Eve event.

The decision comes after the court dismissed the lawsuit filed against the artist earlier this year. The legal conflict centered on the musician’s objection to the board’s choice to honor Trump with the building’s name change, which led to his withdrawal from the concert.