A musician is putting the Kennedy Center in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, calling out the institution’s interim executive director, Richard Grenell, for a series of what she described as “absolutely insane” and “unprofessional” email responses.
Guitarist Yasmin Williams, who goes by @guitar.yaz on Instagram, shared a now-viral thread of emails between herself and Grenell after reaching out with questions about recent program changes and public criticism facing the Kennedy Center.
In her initial message, Yaz expressed concern about DEI rollbacks, the removal of the Social Impact Team, show cancellations, and the removal of board members, all of which have stirred controversy in D.C.’s arts community. Many artists, she said, are pulling out of scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center, citing dissatisfaction with the institution’s direction.
But the response she received from Grenell stunned her, and many others. Instead of addressing the questions, Grenell fired back with politically charged commentary and personal assumptions.
“Let me ask you this question,” Grenell replied, “Would you play for Republicans or would you boycott if Republicans came to your show?”
In a follow-up email, Grenell dismissed reports of show cancellations being due to internal decisions, claiming:
“Every single person who cancelled a show did so because they couldn’t be in the presence of Republicans… We don’t cancel a single show.”
He went on to criticize the media, calling newspapers “entities that exist to hate Republicans,” and urged Yaz to “read more” and “don’t be gullible.”
Yaz responded by clarifying that she’s performed for audiences across political lines and emphasized she never accused Grenell of intolerance, only that she sought clarity on policies affecting the Kennedy Center’s reputation.
What followed were even sharper comments from Grenell:
“Your people also booed and harassed the vice president who simply wanted to enjoy music with his wife… Who is the intolerant one?”
In another email, Grenell defended budget cuts and slammed the Kennedy Center’s past programming, saying:
“Yes, I cut the DEI bullsh*t because we can’t afford to pay people for fringe and niche programming… The programs are so woke that they haven’t made money.”
He also blamed financial mismanagement for the center’s instability, citing zero reserves, mounting debt, and a building he said hasn’t been updated in 20 years.
Yaz closed the thread expressing disappointment, writing:
“I’m honestly shocked at how unprofessional your emails are, but I guess that’s par for the course these days, on both sides of the political aisle.”
The post has reignited debate over the Trump-appointed diplomat’s leadership at one of the country’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Many in the music and arts communities are voicing concern that the Kennedy Center, long a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural diversity—is drifting away from its mission.
Grenell, a former ambassador and acting Director of National Intelligence under Donald Trump, was appointed as interim head of the Kennedy Center earlier this year. His short tenure has already been marked by controversy, and this email thread may only deepen scrutiny.
Yaz’s message to followers was clear:
“Feel free to send Richard Grenell your own emails to make your voice heard…Hopefully you’ll be treated better than I was.”
The Kennedy Center has not issued a public response to the email exchange as of now.
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