Multi-hyphenate comedian Issa Rae canceled an appearance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., a day after President Donald Trump was named chair of the institution’s board.
Writing on Instagram Thursday, Rae announced: “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,” the Insecure star continued.
“All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon,” she concluded.
Rae was slated to attend the Kennedy Center on March 16 for a one-night-only event, “An Evening with Issa Rae.”
The Barbie actress reconsidered her sold-out appearance, however, after it was reported that the Kennedy Center’s board had elected Trump as its new chair. Additionally, Trump fired art executive Deborah Rutter, who had been the institution’s president for over 10 years.
Rae is not the first artist to distance themself from the Kennedy Center following Trump’s appointment. Prolific television writer and producer Shonda Rhimes resigned from the center’s board on Wednesday after serving as its treasurer.
Singer Ben Folds similarly stepped down as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra.
