Les Misérables cast 'refuse to attend latest show' over Trump appearance

Metro

21 hours ago

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Donald Trump told the press he wasn't bothered, as he was met with boos and a boycott at the debut performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center last night.
In Washington, DC, on Wednesday night, Trump, 78, was among the guests at the Kennedy Centre for the performing arts, marking the first time the President had attended the event since his election in 2024.
It was reported that at least 10 cast members opted out of performing as a way to boycott his attendance, meaning that understudies were likely called upon to step in.
When asked about this form of defiance from the cast, Trump responded that he was unbothered.
'I couldn't care less. Honestly, I couldn't,' said Trump. 'All I do is run the country well.'
When the boycott was first discussed in May, Kennedy Center director Richard Grenell said the move was 'vapid and intolerant'.
'Any performer who isn't professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won't be welcomed,' said Grennell to CNN.
'In fact, we think it would be important to out those vapid and intolerant artists to ensure producers know who they shouldn't hire – and that the public knows which shows have political litmus tests to sit in the audience.
'The Kennedy Center wants to be a place where people of all political stripes sit next to each other and never ask who someone voted for but instead enjoys a performance together.'
Donald Trump 'couldn't care less' that his appearance at a theatre was boycotted (Picture: AP)
The President recently made himself the chairman of the Kennedy Centre (Picture:)
Trump was booed and cheered as he arrived and took his seat next to his wife, Melania Trump.
At the end of the intermission, it was reported that someone loudly cursed his name and drew applause from the audience.
Drag Queens also appeared in the crowd, their presence was a silent protest against Trump's claims that the Center had hosted an excessive number of drag shows in the past.
Several drag queens appeared at the Center (Picture:)
Earlier this year, Trump made himself chairman of the Kennedy Centre, firing the board of trustees and confirming that he would reduce the number of drag shows at the historically liberal space.
In a post on X in February he announced: '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!
'Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!'
A response from the Kennedy Center at the time revealed that they had not received any communication from the White House about this, but were aware some members of their board had received termination notices.
The Kennedy Center's statement continued: 'Per the Center's governance established by Congress in 1958, the chair of the board of trustees is appointed by the Center's board members. 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 with the Kennedy Center's board.'
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Trump claimed to be a fan of the musical (Picture: Toronto Star via Getty Images)
While at the event, Trump told reporters that he was a huge fan of Les Misérables.
'I've seen it, we've seen it, a number of times, it's fantastic. It was just about our first choice. That's what we got and we've got other ones coming, other great ones coming,' Trump said.
Despite being a huge fan, the President was unable to answer basic questions about the plot, like whether he found himself relating to the villain or the hero of the play.
The reporter asked the President if he felt more aligned with the ruthless Inspector Javert, or Jean Valjean, the former convict mercilessly hunted down by Javert for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family.
'Oh, that's a tough one, the last part of that question, that's tough, I think,' Trump said with a laugh. 'You better answer that one honey, I don't know.'
Melania did not have a response for the reporter either.
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