Les Misérables Boycott Sparks Kennedy Center Backlash

At least 10 cast members of the Les Misérables touring company plan to boycott a June 11 performance at the Kennedy Center, which President Donald Trump is set to attend as part of a fundraising event. The cast was reportedly given the option not to perform following Trump's installation as chairman and his appointment of Richard Grenell as director after removing previous board members. Grenell publicly condemned the boycott as 'unprofessional' and 'intolerant,' suggesting that non-participating artists should be identified and potentially blacklisted. The controversy occurs amid broader backlash from the arts community, with prominent figures including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Shonda Rhimes withdrawing from Kennedy Center events in protest of its new leadership. Trump has dismissed the criticism and accusations of culture war escalation, while his supporters accuse the boycotting actors of political intolerance. The episode underscores the growing rift between the performing arts community and Trump's efforts to reshape major cultural institutions.