The Washington National Opera (WNO) has filed a lawsuit against the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, seeking approximately $17 million that it claims was collected and held for the opera's benefit but has not been released.According to the complaint, the disputed funds include endowment assets, donor contributions, and other financial gifts accumulated over many years.WNO argues that these resources are essential to its continued operations and were specifically intended to support the opera company.The lawsuit follows the opera's separation from the Kennedy Center earlier in 2026, ending a relationship that had existed since 1971.

Court filings state that WNO repeatedly attempted to resolve the matter through written requests, meetings, and discussions with Kennedy Center leadership but received no satisfactory response.As a result, the company claims it had no choice but to pursue legal action.A key issue in the dispute involves allegations that the Kennedy Center used funds associated with the opera as collateral for a line of credit.

The lawsuit cites an email from Kennedy Center Chief Financial Officer Donna Arduin indicating that money from a fund containing bequests and donations designated for the opera was being treated as an asset of the Kennedy Center.WNO disputes that interpretation and maintains the funds were reserved exclusively for its benefit.The case emerges amid broader financial and governance controversies surrounding the Kennedy Center.

The institution has reportedly faced declining support from audiences, artists, and donors following leadership changes associated with President Donald Trump's second term.The lawsuit adds to ongoing legal and organizational challenges confronting the center.