Activist Group Calls Kennedy Center Ceiling Collapse Video 'Propaganda'

(MENAFN- USA Art News) The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has faced declining ticket sales and now contends with a video from an activist group that challenges its claims about falling debris. The center posted images of the debris on X and Instagram on Friday, stating:“Another warning we can't ignore. A section of the Grand Foyer ceiling collapsed after this week's storms. Thankfully no one was hurt. Decades of deferred maintenance made this inevitable.” The post also suggested that“Chairman President Trump has been right: America's cultural center needs to close, renovate, and be restored, now.”

According to The Guardian, heavy rain caused the ceiling collapse. Roma Daravi, the center's vice president for public relations, stated that the incident was“another example of the urgent need to close for renovation and revitalization, as our Chairman President Trump has championed.”

However, on Sunday, Hands off the Arts, an activist group opposing President Trump's plans for the Kennedy Center, released a video on Instagram refuting these claims. The group's post included the statement:“Friends don't let friends repeat @officialtkc propaganda.” It further added:“Trump loyalist and Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi couldn't wait to tell the media all about a 'ceiling collapse' in the Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer this weekend. Awfully convenient for a person trying to legitimize a two-year renovation/renaming/bulldozing(?) on behalf of her favorite president!”

Following President Donald Trump's takeover, the performing arts venue has experienced declining ticket sales over the past 10 months. Center officials anticipate that this fiscal year's revenue will be 70 percent below its budget target, and contributed revenue is projected to fall 25 percent short. The venue is reportedly on track to miss its revenue target by nearly $100 million.

Source: ARTnews

MENAFN07092026005694012507ID1111633162