Dancers Stage 'ResistDance' Protest at Kennedy Center to Demand Accountability in Trump-Epstein Files

On April 9th, a powerful protest unfolded at the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial as a troupe of young dancers performed ‘ResistDance vs Redaction,’ a choreographed demand for answers about the Epstein files and Donald Trump’s alleged involvement. The demonstration coincided with Melania Trump’s public denial of any connection to the Epstein scandal—a denial starkly contradicted by the performance’s message.

‘ResistDance vs Redaction’ draws directly from NPR reporting that the Justice Department withheld and removed critical Epstein-related documents tied to allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor known as Jane Doe 4. The dance centers on her testimony, transforming her harrowing allegations into a visceral expression of pain and frustration through movement.

Directed by two-time Academy Award nominee Bryan Buckley and choreographed by Matthew Steffens, the piece featured 12 dancers, including 15-year-old soloist Devyn Scherff. Set to a haunting rendition of Madonna’s “Live to Tell” performed by a children’s choir, the performance highlighted the perspective of youth confronting a justice system that has repeatedly failed survivors.

The dancers wore blindfolds—symbolizing the redactions and erasures of truth—and leotards printed with excerpts from Jane Doe 4’s missing FBI testimony. Moments after the first run-through, a heavy police presence abruptly shut down the performance, escorting the young artists off the premises. This forceful interruption mirrored the broader pattern of obstruction and silence surrounding the Epstein case and Trump’s alleged role.

“This isn’t political,” Buckley emphasized. “This is about kids who were sexually abused and one billionaire friend hiding behind another. Our children deserve to see these people for who they really are.” Choreographer Steffens echoed the urgency, warning that ignoring these assaults only perpetuates them. “I have three nieces who are approaching the ages of many of these victims. I never want them to be in the situation that these men put these girls in.”

Lead dancer Devyn Scherff expressed the deep personal impact of performing the piece. “Kids my age shouldn’t have to go through something like this. It’s not ok. Dancing this piece gave me a way to express that frustration and hopefully it makes people feel something.”

The protest also comes amid ongoing resistance from those with answers. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi recently refused to appear for a subpoenaed deposition related to the case, exemplifying the elite impunity that continues to shield powerful figures from accountability.

‘ResistDance vs Redaction’ builds on the original ‘ResistDance,’ which responded to the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti and went viral with over 70 million views. The First Amendment Troop, which advocates for free expression and justice, partnered with Change The Ref to bring the original performance to broadcast on NBC and FOX in the Washington, D.C. area earlier this week.

This protest performance is a stark reminder: Trump and his allies want the public to move on and forget the Epstein files, but young people refuse to be silenced. They are demanding the truth, accountability, and justice for survivors—no matter how much power stands in their way.