Washington National Opera sues Kennedy Center for $17M

The WNO stated in its court filing that the funds held by the Kennedy Center were entrusted to benefit the opera's mission. The opera highlighted the Kennedy Center's position as a federally chartered entity and its affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution as factors in its challenge, listing the federal government as a defendant.

This legal dispute follows the WNO's decision in January to end its 50-year affiliation with the Kennedy Center, citing a "financially challenging relationship." According to WNO officials, the center managed all donations made to the opera for the past 15 years under their previous agreement. The opera asserts it has made diligent efforts to resolve the matter amicably and that the Kennedy Center has refused to participate in mediation.

The lawsuit aims to secure the return of funds deemed necessary for the WNO to continue its operations and fulfill its mission.