The Kennedy Center, a prestigious institution in Washington D.C., is facing intense scrutiny following its takeover by Donald Trump in February. This new leadership change has incited some of the loudest and most widespread condemnation from not only the performing arts community, but from the public at large. The controversy intensified when Yasmin Williams, a professional musician, reached out to the center’s interim executive director, Richard Grenell, regarding the institution’s plans for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
In her email, Williams highlighted the cancellations of two significant events: a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and a children’s musical called Finn. Her question was primarily intended to get at how DEI concerns would be addressed under Grenell’s proposed management, particularly in response to these cancellations.
Grenell responded with sharp criticism, accusing Williams of believing “newspapers who exist to hate Republicans” and labeling her as “vapid” for failing to conduct her own research. His remarks signal a serious fear taking root among some of the top brass in the performing arts community. They think that partisanship is influencing the artistic programming at the Kennedy Center.
“I’m too busy to confront your vapidness to believe what you read without doing your own research. But I will say that your assumptions are wrong.” – Richard Grenell
Williams reacted personally with shock to Grenell’s response which she characterized as “bizarre” and beyond inappropriate for someone in his role. In an Instagram post the next day, she opened up about her experience with the exchange. In her announcement, she shared how scores of current and former Kennedy Center staff contacted her offering their complicity once she made the attack known.
“Like, what is this?” Williams said. “He’s not responding like I assume the executive director, interim or not, of the Kennedy Center would respond to an email. It was just bizarre.”
The collateral damage from Grenell’s remarks has been extensive. The closure coincides with the announcement by renowned soprano singer Reneé Fleming to resign from her position as artistic adviser to the center. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds resigned from his position as artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra. These high-profile departures have sparked even more controversy over the leadership and future direction of the Kennedy Center.
In advancing this program, Grenell defended his programming decisions. He stressed that the institution could no longer afford to fund “fringe and niche programming” that did not reach the public. He lamented that he needs to prioritize mass appeal in order to keep the institution’s financial picture afloat.
“Yes, I cut the DEI bullshit because we can’t afford to pay people for fringe and niche programming that the public won’t support … Yes, we are doing programming for the masses in order to pay our bills.” – Richard Grenell
He pompously proclaimed that no shows have been canceled due to political ideology. Instead, he blamed those who departed on the understanding that they just couldn’t cut it in front of Republicans.
“Every single person who cancelled a show did so because they couldn’t be in the presence of Republicans.” – Richard Grenell
Williams responded to Grenell’s justification by sharing her sentiments on social media, indicating her disappointment with the current state of leadership at the Kennedy Center.
“Make of this info what you will! Clearly the Kennedy Center is in awful hands. As someone who has played there several times and attended several shows there, it’s disturbing that this guy has a job at all, especially one at the KC. Do better Kennedy Center.” – Yasmin Williams
Cloying changes at the Kennedy Center have also forced other important, recent resignations besides Fleming and Folds. Other high-profile individuals, including Shonda Rhimes, have removed themselves from the table. This decision reflects a growing anger inside the industry about how their group has been led astray from its original purpose and mission.
As this controversy unfolds, many within the arts community will be watching closely to see how Grenell’s management impacts the Kennedy Center’s reputation and its commitment to diverse programming.