
Several entertainers have announced that they are severing ties with the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C., now that President Trump has assumed the chairmanship of the organization.
Screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, known for her work on shows such as Grey's Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder, posted a screenshot of a media report about her departure from the board on Instagram.
The post included a quote from former President Kennedy: "If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him."
Her name has since been removed from the Kennedy Center's website as a trustee member.
Actress and producer Issa Rae, who created and starred in HBO's Insecure, also announced on Instagram that she was canceling her upcoming sold-out appearance. When visiting the Kennedy Center's website for her event, users encounter a 404 error message.
"Hey D.C. Fam," she wrote, "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."