We propose that the dynamics of Kerr black holes is strongly constrained by the principle of gauge symmetry. We initiate the construction of effective field theories for Kerr black holes of any integer quantum spin $s$ using Stückelberg fields, and show that the known three-point Kerr amplitudes are uniquely predicted using massive higher-spin gauge symmetry. This symmetry is argued to be connected to an enhanced range of validity for the Kerr effective field theories. We consider the closely related root-Kerr electromagnetic solution in parallel, for which the dynamical interactions with photons are also constrained by massive higher-spin gauge symmetry. Finally, the spin-$s$ Compton amplitudes are analyzed, and we discuss contact-term constraints at $s=2$ from Ward identities.

• Received 6 June 2023
• Revised 18 August 2023
• Accepted 10 October 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.221401

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Published by the American Physical Society