Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser Apologizes to Latino Leader

President of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Michael Kaiser as apologized for the language he used during a telephone call with Felix Sanchez, chairman of the National Hispanic Foundation for the arts.

In a telephone call nearly two weeks ago between Sanchez and Kaiser concerning the 10th consecutive year without a Latino Kennedy Center Honoree, Kaiser told Sanchez to "f---k yourself" and hung up on him.

Kaiser said he regrets using the "unfortunate choice of words in frustration" during the conversation.

Kaiser said he shares the same goals with Sanchez and the concerns that Sanchez raised during the heated conversation "were heard and will be given serious consideration."

"Much of my career has been spent working with artists of color and supporting organizations that are part of the remarkable, diverse quilt of American cultural institutions," Kaiser said in the Sept. 27 dated letter. "I have been passionate about presenting excellence and diversity in artistic and educational programming and Latino arts and programs have enjoyed a dynamic presence."

Kaiser said Latinos have been a part of the notable artists whose voices reveal the struggles, achievements, joy and sorrow of their native lands.

In letters sent last week, NHFA and NHLA called on Kennedy Center executives to replace the current producers of the Kennedy Center Honors.

The organizations also have asked President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to stop participating in Kennedy Center Honor ceremonies until the matter is adequately resolved.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Kaiser did not retreat from what he said were his strong feelings in response to Sanchez's criticism.

"I've spent much of the last 20 years working with organizations of color in this country - African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American. . . . This is a real part of who I am, and so when someone insinuates that I am a racist, it gets me extremely upset."

Chairman of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda Hector Sanchez said the Kennedy Center was approached to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding the underrepresentation of Latinos, and was met with derision, expletives, and an unwillingness to even discuss potential solutions.

For the 33rd year, none of the Kennedy nominees are Latino artists.

Out of 170 people that have received the award only 2 have been Latinos. The only two Latinos to have received the award are Placido Domingo in 200 and Chita Rivera in 2002.