Kennedy Center Director Slams Les Miserables Actors as Vapid and Intolerant for Threatening Boycott over Trump

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:12 am

Kennedy Center Director Slams "Les Mis" Actors for Trump Boycott Threat

A brewing controversy is unfolding at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., where the director is firing back at actors from a touring production of "Les Misérables" who are reportedly considering a boycott of an upcoming performance due to President Donald Trump's planned attendance.

According to reports, ten out of twelve actors are considering refusing to perform, sparking a strong reaction from Kennedy Center director Richard Grenell. Grenell, appointed interim director in February, has publicly condemned the potential boycott, stating the center "will no longer fund intolerance." He emphasized that the Kennedy Center aims to be a space where people of all political backgrounds can enjoy performances together, without regard for their political affiliations.

Grenell didn't mince words, calling the actors "vapid and intolerant" and suggesting that producers should be aware of performers who impose political litmus tests. This stance is a direct response to the actors' reported concerns about performing for a Republican president.

This situation comes after Trump replaced the previous leadership and assumed the position of board chairman. Following this move, some artists announced they would no longer perform at the venue. Trump himself has weighed in on the situation, posting on Truth Social about his plans to "make the Kennedy Center GREAT AGAIN," including changes like ending drag shows targeting children.

The clash highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and political viewpoints, particularly in the current polarized climate. The Kennedy Center, a prominent cultural institution, is now at the center of this debate, with its director firmly advocating for inclusivity and artistic neutrality.

BNN's Perspective: This situation underscores the challenges of navigating political divides in the arts. While artists have the right to express their views, a blanket boycott based on a patron's political affiliation seems counterproductive. The Kennedy Center's stance, emphasizing inclusivity and artistic freedom for all, strikes a reasonable balance. It's crucial to foster environments where diverse perspectives can coexist, even if disagreements remain.

Keywords: Kennedy Center, Richard Grenell, Les Misérables, Donald Trump, boycott, actors, intolerance, political, performance, Washington D.C., artistic expression, inclusivity, theater, arts, culture, Truth Social, drag shows

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