Kennedy Center Fires Employee Over Naked Protest Criticizing Trump’s Leadership
Tavish Forsyth was dismissed after releasing a controversial video questioning complicity in President Trump’s control of the cultural institution.
- Tavish Forsyth, a Kennedy Center contractor, released a 35-minute protest video criticizing President Trump's appointment as chairman and his policies, including a ban on drag performers.
- The video featured Forsyth performing a spoken-word poem while nude, with a digitally generated rainbow heart obscuring their groin.
- Forsyth debated whether to quit their role, raising concerns about complicity in oppressive systems and the role of artists in resisting political control.
- The Kennedy Center fired Forsyth the day after the video’s release, calling it 'extremely disturbing,' particularly given Forsyth’s work with minors.
- The protest video has drawn limited public engagement but has fueled broader discussions on artistic freedom, diversity, and the politicization of cultural institutions.
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