Popular musician cancels Kennedy Center concert after Trump named board chair

Actress, producer, and director Issa Rae has canceled an appearance at the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts following the news that President Trump was elected the institution’s chairman of the board.

In a message posted to her Instagram Story on Thursday, Rae thanked her fans for selling out “An Evening With Issa Rae,” and announced she was canceling the appearance.

“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 statement read.

Rae noted that all tickets would be refunded and ended the statement with more thank you’s. “Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon.”

The sold-out show was scheduled for March 16. A page about the event on the Kennedy Center’s website went down, replaced by an error message, reports the New York Times.

Rae is the latest star to take action after President Trump’s takeover of the renowned cultural institution in Washington, D.C.

Trump appointed himself chairman of the center on Wednesday, a few days after he purged the board of Biden appointees. The new board, stacked with Trump loyalists, elected the president chairman and fired the Kennedy Center’s longtime president, Deborah F. Rutter. The board named Richard Grenell, who was ambassador to Germany during the first Trump administration, interim president.

Rae’s decision comes soon after the resignations of several longtime Kennedy Center senior staff and board members. This week, musician Ben Folds announced he would resign as artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra – the Kennedy Center’s artistic affiliate- after 8 years, citing “developments” at the institution.

Shonda Rhimes, television writer and producer of such hits as “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Scandal” also resigned from the Kennedy Center board.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.