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Topics: Grey's Anatomy, Celebrity, Politics, US News, News, Donald Trump
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Grey's Anatomy, Celebrity, Politics, US News, News, Donald Trump
Shonda Rhimes has made it brutally clear this week that she's unwilling to work alongside Donald Trump.
In response to the news that the controversial politician and newly-inaugurated President has made a major move into the television business, the globally-renowned executive has herself announced a blindsiding change in career.
According to the New York Times, Trump was elected over the weekend to the position of Chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts - an artistic institution that serves as the national cultural centre of the US.
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The decision was made by a board of directors, with the 78-year-old having appointed himself to replace former chair David M. Rubenstein.
The former Apprentice front-man first made his plan to replace Rubenstein public last Friday (7 Feb).
Writing on his own social media platform, Truth Social, Trump also made it clear that other board of trustee members would be getting the boot.
"I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture," he wrote.
"We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!"
The father-of-five went on to claim the reason for his multiple firings was spurred by 'drag shows specifically targeting our youth' that the centre hosted last year, with Trump pledging in his statement, 'THIS WILL STOP.'
Naturally, Trump's transition into showbiz hasn't gone down too well with many behind the scenes leaders, including multi award-winning producer and screenwriter, Shonda Rhimes.
The 55-year-old is behind the success of countless on-screen hits, including the likes of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Bridgerton, How to Get Away With Murder and Inventing Anna.
Following the news of Trump's new position, the esteemed TV boss resigned from her role as treasurer of the Kennedy Center in a shock move that has left telly-lovers reeling.
Rhimes confirmed the news on Instagram by sharing a screen-grab of a news story titled 'Shonda Rhimes Resigns from Kennedy Center Board After Arump Appoints Himself as Chairman'.
In the caption, she quoted JFK himself, writing, 'If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. - John F Kennedy'.
She was previously appointed to the board of trustees by former President, Barack Obama.
A spokesperson confirmed Rhimes' resignation to press on Wednesday (12 Feb), whilst telling the NYT that the organisation's president, Deborah F. Rutter, was simultaneously fired from her position and replaced by Richard Grenell.
Joining Rhimes in her departure is singer-songwriter Ben Folds, who also confirmed he has resigned from his role as artistic adviser of the National Symphony Orchestra and board member.
The 58-year-old hit-maker wrote on Instagram on Wednesday: "Given the developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me."
Folds added: "It's been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music."
Actress and opera star Renée Fleming will also be departing from her role as artistic adviser at large.