Second Kennedy Center honoree ‘declining’ White House reception

Carmen de Lavallade, an acclaimed dancer and choreographer who will be recognized in the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in December, will boycott the awards ceremony reception taking place at the White House.  

“In light of the socially divisive and morally caustic narrative that our current leadership is choosing to engage in, and in keeping with the principles that I and so many others have fought for, I will be declining the invitation to attend the reception at the White House,” she said in a statement. 

The statement was first reported by The Washington Post.

{mosads}De Lavallade said that she was “honored” to be recognized and would attend the awards ceremony at the Kennedy Center. 

The dancer is not the only honoree planning to boycott the White House reception, which is traditionally hosted by the president and first lady.

Singer Lionel Richie said earlier this week on NBC’s “Today” show that he would “play it by ear” as to whether he would attend the Kennedy Center Honors. 

TV writer and producer Norman Lear, who previously called President Trump America’s “middle finger,” also said he will skip the reception. 

De Lavallade, 86, was one of the first African-Americans to dance for the Metropolitan Opera and has appeared in a number of productions.