Washington National Opera Sues Kennedy Center Over $17M in Donations
On Thursday, the Washington National Opera (WNO) initiated legal action, claiming that the Kennedy Center owes over $17 million in donations received after their separation earlier this year. The WNO contends that these donations were intended by contributors to further its mission. The lawsuit includes the federal government as a defendant, given the Kennedy Center's federally chartered status and its affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution. The partnership with the Kennedy Center ended in January due to financial difficulties. For 15 years, the Kennedy Center handled all donations under their previous agreement. Although the WNO sought mediation, the Kennedy Center declined. VP Roma Daravi labeled the lawsuit as 'meritless' and plans to file a countersuit, noting a $72 million deficit for the WNO from 2011 to 2026. The WNO has been performing at the Kennedy Center for 50 years. This split coincided with President Trump's acquisition of the venue, which has resulted in performance cancellations and legal disputes regarding Trump's name on the building.
Key facts
- WNO filed lawsuit on Thursday alleging Kennedy Center owes $17M in donations.
- Lawsuit cites Kennedy Center's federal charter and Smithsonian membership.
- WNO ended partnership in January citing financially challenging relationship.
- Kennedy Center managed all donations for WNO for past 15 years.
- Kennedy Center VP Roma Daravi called lawsuit 'meritless' and plans countersuit.
- Daravi claims WNO accumulated $72 million deficit from 2011 through 2026.
- WNO has performed at Kennedy Center for 50 years.
- Split occurred amid President Trump's takeover of the venue.
Entities
Artists
- Francesca Zambello
Institutions
- Washington National Opera
- Kennedy Center
- Smithsonian Institution
- The Hill
- BDO
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States