Issa Rae Cancels Event At The Kennedy Center Due To “Infringement On The Values Of An Institution That Has Faithfully Celebrated Artists Of All Backgrounds”

February 14, 2025

Source: Steven Ferdman / Getty

Issa Rae, the acclaimed actress, writer, and producer known for her work on the hit series “Insecure” and the movie “One of Them Days”, has canceled her sold-out appearance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Rae had been scheduled to participate in “An Evening with Issa Rae” on March 16, but she announced her decision via Instagram, citing concerns over recent governance changes at the Kennedy Center.I

Issa posted a statement. in her Instagram stories, saying “Hey D.C. Fam, Thank you so much for selling out the Kennedy Center for “An Evening With [Me] 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. All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon.”

Her decision follows the Kennedy Center board’s controversial vote to appoint Donald Trump as Chair of the Board and the removal of its president, Deborah Rutter. These developments, widely reported by major outlets like The Washington Post, have sparked debate and led to significant fallout.

Other prominent figures have also distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center in light of these changes. Renowned opera singer and actress Renée Fleming resigned from her role as artistic adviser at large, while Shonda Rhimes, the celebrated television writer and producer, stepped down from her position as treasurer on the board.

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