Issa Rae Cancels Her Sold-Out Show at Kennedy Center After Donald Trump Is Named Chair

Issa Rae has canceled her show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing what she claimed was an “infringement on the values” of the venue.

The actress, writer and producer announced the cancelation of “An Evening with Issa Rae” on her Instagram Stories Thursday, Feb. 13, first thanking fans for selling out the show before explaining her reasoning, shortly after President Donald Trump was elected chair of the Kennedy Center.

“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” wrote Rae, who played President Barbie in the 2023 Barbie movie.

“All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon,” Rae, 40, concluded, signing off with, “Love, Issa.”

The one-night-only event, which was set for March 16, was described as a “night of cozy ambience, big laughs, and all the nostalgic feels” and a “night of connection with your community in a vibrant atmosphere.”

The Kennedy Center’s president Deborah Rutter was fired from her position, which she’d held since 2014, the New York Times reported on Feb. 12. Richard Grenell was appointed interim president, while Trump, 78, replaced former Kennedy Center chair David M. Rubenstein.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

According to a press release, 14 new Kennedy Center Board of Trustee members were announced Wednesday, including Vice President J.D. Vance‘s wife Usha Vance.

The president posted his plans for the cultural institution on Truth Social, writing on Feb. 7, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN.”

“I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!” he added.

The Kennedy Center responded on Feb. 8, saying they “received no official communications from the White House.”

“The chair of the board of trustees is appointed by the Center’s board members,” the statement continued. “There is nothing in the Center’s statute that would prevent a new administration from replacing board members; however, this would be the first time such action has been taken.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Also on Wednesday, musician Ben Folds announced he was stepping down from his position at the National Symphony Orchestra.

“Given the developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me,” Folds, 58, wrote, in part, in a statement on Instagram.

“It’s been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music,” he continued.

The musician concluded, “Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation’s symphony orchestra — just the best!”

A spokesperson for Shonda Rhimes also confirmed to PEOPLE on Wednesday that the Grey’s Anatomy creator, 55, has resigned from her role as Kennedy Center treasurer.