Musician Yasmin Williams Accuses Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell of Inviting GOP Group to Heckle Performance

Guitarist Yasmin Williams accused Richard Grenell, the Trump-appointed president of the Kennedy Center, of enabling a coordinated effort by the Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative LGBTQ group, to harass her during a September 18 concert. The group attended her performance after Grenell's office distributed passes, with the intent to intimidate her due to her vocal opposition to President Trump and the Kennedy Center's leadership changes. Williams highlighted a newsletter from the Log Cabin Republicans that encouraged members to fill the audience and boo her, alongside an open bar promotion, suggesting the attendees had no genuine interest in her music. Despite facing heckling and being escorted out by security, Williams used her platform to criticize Grenell, Trump, and the new board, expressing support for the center's staffers and union workers. The Kennedy Center denied any involvement or knowledge of the group's presence, calling the accusations "absolutely ridiculous." The incident underscores the ongoing tensions at the Kennedy Center under Trump’s administration and raises concerns about political interference in cultural institutions.