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Judge Dismisses Kennedy Center Suit Under Anti-SLAPP, No Contract

6/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Tanya Jones Bosier dismissed the breach-of-contract suit under the district’s anti-SLAPP law protecting free speech.
Judge Tanya Jones Bosier noted the Kennedy Center failed to produce a signed agreement, finding no enforceable contract existed.
Chuck Redd praised the ruling after the Kennedy Center’s board voted to rename the venue after U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting Redd’s withdrawal.

History

Historical Context

California’s anti-SLAPP law, first used in cases such as the 2007 Levees.org dispute, has spread to other states, including Virginia. In 2024 Judge Tanya Jones Bosier invoked Virginia’s anti-SLAPP provisions to toss the Kennedy Center’s breach-of-contract suit over its decision to rename the venue for President Donald Trump, illustrating how early anti-SLAPP precedents continue to shield cultural institutions from politically charged litigation.

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Story summary

Judge Tanya Jones Bosier dismissed the breach-of-contract suit under the district’s anti-SLAPP law protecting free speech.
Judge Tanya Jones Bosier noted the Kennedy Center failed to produce a signed agreement, finding no enforceable contract existed.
Chuck Redd praised the ruling after the Kennedy Center’s board voted to rename the venue after U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting Redd’s withdrawal.

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