In a bold move, at least 10 cast members of the current North American touring production of Les Misérables have opted out of an upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, in protest of President Donald Trump’s expected attendance. The cast members were given the choice to skip the 11 June show, with their identities remaining undisclosed by the production.

This performance coincides with a fundraising event hosted by Trump to support the Kennedy Center, where he has made significant changes since assuming the role of board chair earlier this year. The former Kennedy Center president, Deborah Rutter, has been replaced by Trump ally Richard Grenell.

Grenell responded to rumors of the boycott by stating that the Kennedy Center does not tolerate intolerance and expects performers to entertain audiences of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a space where people of differing political views can come together to enjoy performances without divisive political litmus tests.

The boycott by Les Misérables cast members is part of a broader trend of artists distancing themselves from the Kennedy Center under Trump’s leadership. The president’s past criticisms and proposed budget cuts to arts funding have sparked controversy and legal challenges from arts organizations.

This boycott underscores the ongoing tensions between the arts community and the Trump administration, with artists taking a stand against perceived political interference in artistic expression.