Shonda Rhimes Steps Away From Kennedy Center Role Following Trump Appointment.
Renowned writer-producer Shonda Rhimes is stepping down as treasurer of the Kennedy Center following Donald Trump’s appointment as Chairman.
Shonda Rhimes stepped down as Kennedy Center treasurer following Donald Trump’s appointment as chairman.
Trump assumed the role after dismissing Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. Shortly after the announcement, a spokesperson for Rhimes confirmed her resignation.
“Effective today, Shonda Rhimes has resigned from the Kennedy Center board,” the spokesperson announced.
The writer-producer posted a screenshot on Instagram confirming her departure. She accompanied the announcement with a quote from former President John F. Kennedy, the namesake of the institution:
“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” – John F. Kennedy
The quote may allude to Trump’s decision to remove Kennedy Center board members appointed during the Biden administration.
In addition to Rhimes and Rutter’s departure, Ben Folds and Renée Fleming also stepped down, resigning from their roles as artistic adviser of the National Symphony Orchestra and artistic adviser at large, respectively.
The quote may allude to Trump’s decision to remove Kennedy Center board members appointed during the Biden administration.
In addition to Rhimes and Rutter’s departure, Ben Folds and Renée Fleming also stepped down, resigning from their roles as artistic adviser of the National Symphony Orchestra and artistic adviser at large, respectively.
It remains uncertain how the now entirely conservative Kennedy Center board envisions a “Golden Age in Arts.”
The center’s website describes the Honors as “comparable to a knighthood in Britain or the French Legion of Honor—the ultimate recognition for a lifetime of achievement.”
A distinguished and diverse group of honorees have been recognized for their lifetime achievements, including Quincy Jones, Queen Latifah, Aretha Franklin, Alvin Ailey, and Debbie Allen.
