CNN Commentator Criticizes "Les Misérables" Cast Members Boycotting Trump-Attended Show
A CNN commentator has ignited controversy by criticizing cast members of "Les Misérables" at the Kennedy Center who reportedly plan to boycott an upcoming performance attended by former President Donald Trump. The criticism follows an exclusive report by CNN detailing the planned boycott, adding fuel to an already heated debate surrounding Trump’s recent influence over the Kennedy Center’s operations.
Joe Borelli, a former Republican leader of the New York City Council, delivered a scathing rebuke of the performers during a May 8 broadcast of "NewsNight With Abby Phillip." Borelli stated bluntly, "It’s your job to perform, shut up, and sing." He further accused the boycotting cast members of being "self-absorbed," arguing that their actions were disproportionate to the situation.
Borelli specifically targeted the reported 10 to 12 cast members who intend to sit out a performance of the acclaimed musical, which is based on the historical backdrop of the French Revolution’s violent uprisings. He downplayed their actions, saying, "They feel like they’re doing something as heroic and revolutionary as the rebels portrayed in the play," before dismissing their actions as those of "self-absorbed, jerk actors."
The report of the planned boycott was initially broken by CNN on May 7, revealing that performers were given the option to abstain from the June 11 performance, which Trump is expected to attend. CNN reported that the group of dissenters includes both principal cast members and ensemble performers, reflecting a widespread sentiment within the production.
This act of defiance, although subtle, occurs in the wake of a significant shakeup at the Kennedy Center orchestrated by Trump. The former president recently appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board and installed Richard Grenell, a close ally, as interim president. These changes have been met with mixed reactions within the artistic community and have sparked a broader discussion about the role of politics in the arts.
Trump justified the personnel changes in a Truth Social post, citing the Kennedy Center’s decision to host drag show performances. He stated, "Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP." Trump further asserted, "The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation."
The reshuffling of leadership and the apparent shift in the Kennedy Center’s programming have led to a backlash from some prominent figures in the arts. Multiple stars and artists have severed ties with the institution in protest, with high-profile board members resigning and others canceling future performances. Among the canceled events were an interview with Issa Rae and several performances of the Broadway smash hit "Hamilton."
Trump has publicly commented on the cancellations, notably stating, "I never liked Hamilton very much," during a visit to the Kennedy Center. This remark further fueled the perception that his involvement in the Kennedy Center’s operations is motivated by personal biases and political considerations.
The Kennedy Center, a revered institution established in 1971 to honor the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, serves as the nation’s premier arts and cultural center. It hosts a diverse range of performances, including concerts, plays, and other live events, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the United States.
During his first term in office, Trump chose not to attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors performances, a symbolic event that typically celebrates lifetime artistic achievements. This decision was viewed by some as a sign of his strained relationship with the arts community and his broader disengagement from traditional cultural events.
The controversy surrounding the "Les Misérables" cast members’ planned boycott highlights the increasing intersection of politics and the arts in contemporary society. The debate raises fundamental questions about the role of artists in expressing their political views, the appropriate boundaries between artistic expression and political activism, and the potential consequences of political interference in artistic institutions. The clash between Borelli’s call for performers to "shut up and sing" and the cast members’ decision to use their platform to express dissent exemplifies the complexities and tensions inherent in this ongoing dialogue. The situation at the Kennedy Center also underscores the broader challenges faced by cultural institutions in navigating the current political climate and maintaining their commitment to artistic integrity and freedom of expression. The future direction of the Kennedy Center, and its relationship with both the artistic community and the broader public, remains to be seen. The actions of artists, political figures, and the public will all play a role in shaping its trajectory.
