Judge Dismisses Trump Administration Lawsuit Against Kennedy Center Jazz Musician Under Anti-SLAPP Law
By
Daniel Kreps
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration's $1 million breach of contract lawsuit against jazz musician Chuck Redd, who canceled his annual Christmas concert at the Kennedy Center after the Trump administration took over the institution's board. The judge cited Washington, D.C.'s anti-SLAPP law, which protects against lawsuits intended to silence speech on matters of public interest. Redd had stated he could not perform under the new leadership due to the administration's "hostile takeover" of the Kennedy Center. The dismissal marks a legal victory for artists' rights to protest political changes at cultural institutions.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe court finds that the defendant has met his burden of demonstrating that the claims against him arise from an act in furtherance of the right of free expression
I cannot in good conscience perform at the Kennedy Center under the current leadership. The hostile takeover of this institution by the Trump administration is something I cannot support.
This is a victory not just for Chuck Redd, but for every artist who has the courage to speak truth to power.
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