One Kennedy Center Honoree Will Boycott Event Because of Trump
The annual Kennedy Center Honors revealed who will be recognized this year, as the first event in the Trump administration.
The list includes actress, dancer and choreographer Carmen de Lavallade, singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, hip hop artist LL COOL J, TV writer and producer Norman Lear and musician and record producer Lionel Richie.
However, Norman Lear says he won’t be attending because of Trump, which is a rare instance in the Honors’ 39-year history.
“This is a presidency that has chosen to neglect totally the arts and humanities — deliberately defund them — and that doesn’t rest pleasantly with me,” said Mr. Lear, the creative force behind pivotal sitcoms, including “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” that created political conversation in American households. He also founded People for the American Way, a nonprofit organization opposing right-wing extremism.
Gloria Estefan, on the other hand, said she looked forward to speaking with Trump.
It was “the perfect opportunity to make clear and express” her views.
“Mr. President, as a proud immigrant of this country, it’s very important for me that you see the wonderful contributions we have made,” Ms. Estefan said she planned to say at the White House reception. “We have seen a lot of anti-immigrant backlash this year, so for us, it may hold even more beauty than for someone who has lived here all their lives. To get this kind of award is so American.”
LL Cool J noted, “I don’t have any stunts planned. I’m not saying I need to be there backslapping and all of that, but this time, this one ain’t about him,” referring to Mr. Trump.
“I’m not going to block my blessings or let the political divide stop me from embracing my art. I’m banking on the goodness and the optimism of people to say: ‘You know what? I get it. Let this guy have this honor.’”
[image via Twitter]
