A Washington D.C. Superior Court judge has dismissed a breach of contract lawsuit filed by the Kennedy Center against musician Chuck Redd. The lawsuit stemmed from Redd’s decision to cancel his Christmas Eve performance in protest of President Donald Trump’s influence over the venue.

Legal Grounds for Dismissal

The dismissal was granted under Washington’s Anti-SLAPP laws, which aim to prevent meritless lawsuits intended to silence opposing viewpoints on matters of public interest. Redd, a well-known drummer and vibraphone player, has been a staple at the Kennedy Center’s holiday ‘Jazz Jams’ since 2006. His decision to cancel last year’s performance came after the Kennedy Center’s board, appointed by Trump, voted to add the president’s name to the facility.

Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated that the lawsuit was an act of political retribution by the Trump-influenced Kennedy Center. She praised the court’s decision to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. Redd expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, stating he was “very pleased” with the outcome.

Contractual Obligations Questioned

The motion to dismiss, filed in March, argued that Redd was not contractually obligated to perform, as he had never signed the contract provided by the Kennedy Center. This lack of a signed agreement was a key factor in the judge’s decision to dismiss the case.

Representatives for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit’s dismissal. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the influence of political figures in cultural institutions and the rights of artists to protest such influences.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.