Activist Group Labels Video Documenting Falling Ceiling Debris at the Kennedy Center ‘Propaganda’
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts reported that a section of its Grand Foyer ceiling collapsed after storms, posting images of fallen debris on social media on Friday and saying no one was hurt. The Guardian attributed the collapse to heavy rain, and Kennedy Center vice president for public relations Roma Daravi called it evidence of “decades of deferred maintenance” and argued for closing the venue for renovation, echoing claims attributed to “Chairman President Trump.” On Sunday, activist group Hands off the Arts disputed the framing, calling the Kennedy Center’s messaging “propaganda” and suggesting the incident was being used to justify a proposed two-year renovation and possible renaming. Separately, the center is reported to be facing financial strain, with ticket sales declining in the 10 months after President Donald Trump’s takeover and revenue projected to fall nearly $100 million short of target, with fiscal-year revenue expected to miss its budget by 70% and contributed revenue expected to be 25% below target.
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This story was covered in Donations, Restitution, and the Museum Power Play