Photo: Variety/Forbes. YouTube.
Media moguls Issa Rae and Shonda Rhimes want nothing to do with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., following President Donald Trump’s takeover as chairman.
Rhimes, known for creating the smash shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” confirmed Wednesday that she resigned from the Kennedy Center board in an Instagram post.
In her post, she simply added a quote from 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.’” The writer-producer served as treasurer of the board.
Issa Rae, the creator of the hit HBO series “Insecure,” canceled her March appearance at the performing arts venue. The event, “An Evening with Issa Rae,” was sold out.
“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 wrote in an Instagram post. She added that all tickets will be refunded.
Last week, Trump announced he would replace several members of the Kennedy Center board and install himself as chair. The new board elected Trump chairman on Wednesday, firmly placing him at the head of the prestigious arts institution.
Second lady Usha Vance, “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood, senior adviser Dan Scavino, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles make up some of the Kennedy Center’s new board.
According to the Washington Post, a president has never “removed his predecessor’s board members at the Kennedy Center and installed himself as chair.”
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