The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has terminated a contractor after he recorded a lengthy, naked rant against former President Donald Trump. Tavish Forsyth, 32, was an associate artistic lead at the Washington National Opera’s Opera Institute, where he worked with minors.
Forsyth identifies as queer and uses they/them pronouns. He posted a 35-minute video to express his anger over recent changes at the Kennedy Center, particularly a ban on drag performances. In the video, Forsyth voiced his frustrations, stating, “F*** Donald Trump and the Kennedy Center,” and accused the Trump administration of targeting marginalized groups.
The Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, Roma Daravi, called the video “extremely disturbing” and emphasized that it did not align with the center’s values. Daravi expressed particular concern about Forsyth’s role working with youth, questioning the influence of his views on minors.
Forsyth defended himself, claiming that the accusations of corrupting youth were false and part of a broader narrative against LGBTQ+ educators. He described his experience at the Kennedy Center as one of the best jobs he had ever held, highlighting the supportive environment within his team.
The controversy comes in the wake of Trump’s recent actions, including the dismissal of most members of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees and his personal involvement in its direction. Trump had previously stated his intention to end drag shows aimed at children at the center, positioning the Kennedy Center as a venue that should reflect traditional American values.
This incident has sparked discussions about artistic expression, workplace conduct, and the influence of politics on cultural institutions.