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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
500 Broadway Performers Sign Open Letter Urging Tony Awards to Disinvite Patti LuPone for ‘Degrading and Misogynistic' Comments
Broadway performers and theater professionals are calling on the producers of the Tony Awards to disinvite Patti LuPone from the show after the theater legend made controversial remarks about Audra McDonald and 'Hell's Kitchen' star Kecia Lewis in an interview with the New Yorker. The open letter has received more than 500 signatures, including those of Tony winners James Monroe Iglehart, J. Harrison Ghee and Maleah Joi Moon, as well as stage and screen veterans like Ephraim Sykes, Wendell Pierce, and Jaquel Spivey. Courtney Love is also among the signatories. 'No artist, producer, director, or leader — regardless of legacy or celebrity — should be allowed to weaponize their platform to belittle, threaten, or devalue others without consequence,' the letter reads. More from Variety Lena Waithe and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on How Pulitzer Winner 'Purpose' is in Dialogue With 'A Raisin in the Sun' Audra McDonald Clueless Over Patti LuPone Calling Her 'Not a Friend' Due to Falling Out: 'I Haven't Seen Her in 11 Years... I Don't Know What Rift She's Talking About' Original 'Hamilton' Cast to Reunite for Tony Awards Performance In the New Yorker piece, which was published on May 26, LuPone addressed issues that arose last fall when she was appearing on Broadway in 'The Roommate.' The theater where the show performed shared a wall with the Alicia Keys musical 'Hell's Kitchen,' and LuPone complained to the head of the Shubert Organization about the loud noises from which could be heard next door. She sent flowers to the cast and crew of 'Hell's Kitchen' when the noise problem was fixed. But she was later criticized on social media by Lewis, who said LuPone's behavior was 'bullying' and 'racially microaggressive.' McDonald liked Lewis' message. When LuPone was asked by the New Yorker about Lewis' post, she called the actress a 'bitch' and questioned whether or not Lewis, who won a Tony for 'Hell's Kitchen,' was a Broadway veteran. In the same interview she dismissed McDonald as 'not a friend' and shaded her performance in 'Gypsy' (LuPone won a Tony appearing in an earlier revival of the musical.) The open letter criticizes LuPone for her comments about Lewis, stating that 'this language is not only degrading and misogynistic — it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect. It constitutes bullying. It constitutes harassment. It is emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long, too often without consequence.' It goes on to criticize LuPone's comments about McDonald. 'To publicly attack a woman who has contributed to this art form with such excellence, leadership, and grace — and to discredit the legacy of Audra McDonald, the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award history — is not simply a personal offense,' the letter reads. 'It is a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold.' The letter argues that Broadway has not done enough to condemn the misbehavior of powerful people in the industry, comparing it unfavorably to other businesses. 'This would not be tolerated in other industries. In 2021, the NFL fined the Washington Commanders $10 million and removed Dan Snyder from day-to-day operations after a toxic workplace culture came to light. Will Smith was banned from the Oscars for ten years after slapping a fellow artist during a live broadcast. These organizations acted swiftly to preserve their values and the integrity of their communities. Why should Broadway hold itself to a lower standard?' The Tony Awards will air on June 8. A spokesperson for the awards did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did a spokesperson for LuPone. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Patti LuPone accused of 'bullying' by the Broadway community in scathing letter after Audra McDonald feud
Broadway star Patti LuPone's controversial remarks about fellow actresses Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis have now officially been denounced by her peers. Over 500 people have signed an open letter from Broadway's theater community condemning the slights Lupone made about McDonald and Lewis during her now infamous interview with the New Yorker. LuPone, 76, called Lewis, 59, a 'b***h' and said McDonald, 54, was 'not a friend' during her headline-making interview. The letter, which is addressed to the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, and 'the greater theater community', claims the comments LuPone made about McDonald and Kecia was degrading, misogynistic, and a 'blatant act of racialized disrespect.' has reached out to representatives for LuPone, McDonald, and Lewis for comment but did not immediately receive a response. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Among those signing the letter is rock star Courtney Love. 'This is a call for accountability, justice, and respect — rooted in love for the art form and for the people who make it possible. We believe our community can do better. We believe it must do better — especially when harm is done to those who have given so much to this industry,' the letter said. While the letter insists they do not intend to 'shame', 'isolate', or 'punish' LuPone, they have recommended that she and others who have used 'their platform to publicly demean, harass, or disparage fellow artists' be excluded from future industry events such as the Tony Awards. The letter described LuPone's comments as 'deeply inappropriate and unacceptable' a form of 'bullying', 'harassment', and 'is emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long, too often without consequence.' 'To publicly attack a woman who has contributed to this art form with such excellence, leadership, and grace—and to discredit the legacy of Audra McDonald, the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award history—is not simply a personal offense,' the letter said. 'It is a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold. Let us be clear: this is about more than one person. It is about a culture. A pattern. A persistent failure to hold people accountable for violent, disrespectful, or harmful behavior—especially when they are powerful or well-known. 'This is not about differing opinions. It is about public actions that demean, intimidate, or perpetuate violence against fellow artists. It is about the normalization of harm in an industry that too often protects prestige over people.' They called her remarks a violation of the American Theatre Wing's core values, which consist of 'champion creative expression', 'support growth and create connections' and to 'make excellence known and inspire artistic greatness'. The letter insists they are not calling on 'cancelling' Lupone nor intend to signal her out, but over concern for their industry. 'This is not about 'canceling' anyone or condemning them — it is about care. Care for our artists, our values, and the future of our shared craft. We write because we want this community to thrive — not just in box office numbers or critical acclaim, but in integrity, safety, and mutual respect,' the letter says. 'We envision a theater industry where all artists — including Black women — are protected, valued, and celebrated. Where excellence is met with recognition, not hostility. Where harm is addressed, not ignored. Where no one is forced to choose between their artistry and their dignity.' They did recommend several repercussions - which included excluding LuPone from future events such as the Tony Awards. 'Individuals, including Patti Lupone, who use their platform to publicly demean, harass, or disparage fellow artists— particularly with racial, gendered, or otherwise violent language—should not be welcomed at industry events, including the Tony Awards, fundraisers, and public programs,' it said. The individual can return back into the community following completion of 'comprehensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs.' 'Participation, recognition, and attendance at high-profile events must be contingent on conduct that reflects community values. This includes completion of comprehensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs before re-entry into publicfacing spaces,' they wrote. 'Theater institutions must adopt and enforce clear, transparent policies for addressing harmful behavior—regardless of an individual's fame or tenure in the industry,' it also suggested. 'This would not be tolerated in other industries. In 2021, the NFL fined the Washington Commanders $10 million and removed Dan Snyder from day-to-day operations after a toxic workplace culture came to light. Will Smith was banned from the Oscars for ten years after slapping a fellow artist during a live broadcast. These organizations acted swiftly to preserve their values and the integrity of their communities. Why should Broadway hold itself to a lower standard?' it continued. They also offered support to Lewis and McDonald, whom were on the receiving end of LuPone's barbs. 'To the Kecias and the Audras of our past, present, and future: You are the soul of this community. We honor your brilliance, your resilience, and your impact. You deserve more than applause. You deserve protection. You deserve respect,' the letter says. 'We are calling for action — not to punish, but to protect. Not to divide, but to strengthen. A stronger, healthier, more equitable Broadway is possible — one where all artists are treated with dignity, safety, and respect,' the letter also states. LuPone has been making headlines ever since she made various swipes against McDonald and Lewis in an interview with the New Yorker. While addressing comments Tony-award winning Kecia Lewis made last year, LuPone called her a 'b***h'. (LuPone had complained about the noise levels of Lewis' show Hell's Kitchen, which neighbored LuPone's own show, and the fallout led to Lewis making a video statement accusing her neighbor of being a bully and making 'racially microaggressive' comments). 'Oh, my God,' LuPone said when the conflict Lewis was mentioned. 'Here's the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn't know what the f**k she's talking about.' 'She's done seven. I've done thirty-one. Don't call yourself a vet, b***h,' she said. (The publication noted that Lewis has done 10 and LuPone 28.) The publication noted that McDonald showed her support for Lewis' video by dropping several supportive emojis in the comments of the post, which LuPone also took issue with. 'Exactly,' she told the New Yorker when the emojis were raised. 'And I thought, You should know better. That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend,' she said, with the publication noting she emphasized friend with a 'hard "D."' Patti also seemed to deliberately avoid answering a question about McDonald's performance in Gypsy, a show she also starred in. Michael Schulman of the publication wrote: 'When I asked what she had thought of McDonald's current production of 'Gypsy,' she stared at me, in silence, for fifteen seconds. Then she turned to the window and sighed, 'What a beautiful day.'' McDonald was asked about Lupone's comments during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle King, which is set to air in full next week. A sneak peek of the interview showed McDonald insisting she was unaware of any issues between her and Lupone when the New Yorker interview was raised. 'If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is,' she replied. 'That's something that you'd have to ask Patti about. 'You know, I haven't seen her in about 11 years, just because we've been busy just with life and stuff. So I don't know what rift she's talking about, but you'd have to ask her.'
Elle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Chic Dress It-Girls Have Worn for Decades
It's been decades since Kate Moss, Courtney Love, and Carrie Bradshaw elevated the humble slip dress to It-girl status, yet the Once considered too risqué to wear outside the house, slinky little numbers can now be sported at The Keep-Forever LBD The black slip dress is so classic, fashion editors rank them right alongside Lunya Washable Silk Slip Dress Leset Barb Satin Slip Dress Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress Norma Kamali Satin Bias Strapless Gown Now 7% Off Cou Cou The Cami Slip The Personality Print Slip dresses may be defined by their simplicity, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. The understated, spaghetti-strap silhouette makes the perfect canvas for a conversation-starting print. Whether Leslie Amon Spicy Galli Mini Dress Hutch Emaline Satin Maxi Slipdress Now 37% Off Miaou Helga Dress Silk Laundry '90s Slip Dress L'Agence Akiya Tank Dress The Wedding Guest Dress Classically sexy and effortlessly chic, an ankle-skimming slip dress can outsmart any wedding dress code. A change of shoes and accessories completely transforms a look, meaning you can rewear the same dress to a gala or cocktail party happening later in the year. Thankfully, Nili Lotan Cami Silk Charmeuse Gown Mango Draped Dress With Flower Detail Meshki Yvette Slip Maxi Dress Staud Cadence Satin Maxi Dress Vince Satin Bias Maxi Slip Dress The Linen Summer Dress Madewell Scoopneck Linen Midi Dress Favorite Daughter The Josette Linen Slip Dress Banana Republic Draped Viscose-Linen Maxi Dress Reiss Roxanne Linen Slip Dress Lace-Trim Linen Slip Dress The Lingerie Slip Lean into the slip's boudoir origins with a lacy, lingerie-inspired dress that gives you an instant confidence boost. Mango Lace Camisole Dress Reformation Cleodora Dress Dôen Alissa Dress Massimo Dutti Satin Camisole Midi Dress LoveShackFancy Manuela Dress The Sleek Wardrobe Staple A neutral-colored slip dress can be a versatile staple in your everyday wardrobe. Éterne Maxi Tank Dress Naadam Baby Rib Slip Dress Cuyana Crepe De Chine Silk Slip Dress Now 39% Off Aya Muse Jersey Slip Dress Another Tomorrow Square Neck Slip Dress
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
US applications for British citizenship skyrocket after Trump election win
The number of Americans applying to become British citizens has skyrocketed since Donald Trump's second inauguration, new Home Office data reveals. More than 1,930 US citizens applied to call the UK home in the first three months of 2025, which is a stark 12 per cent increase from the previous quarter and the highest number on record. Ono Okeregha, director at the Immigration Advice Service (IAS), told the Financial Times: 'People are leaving because of fear, frustration and financial security. Beyond that is a deeper fear about personal safety.' One of them is rock star Courtney Love, who told a crowd at the Royal Geographical Society that she will become an official British citizen in six months. 'Emperor-core is going on at Mar-a-Lago,' the former lead singer of Hole said, according to the Daily Mail. 'It's frightening now.' While many people who renounced their citizenship complained of being unhappy with the political climate in the US, another reason for their decision is often taxes, Alistair Bambridge, a partner at Bambridge Accountants said. According to IAS data, online traffic to Ireland citizenship pages rose by 800 per cent after Mr Trump's inauguration. Similar spikes were seen on citizenship pages for Canada, UK and Spain, with a 600 per cent increase seen in UK citizenship pages after Mr Trump's inauguration. Immigration lawyer Dina Modi said the droves of Americans applying are being driven by 'fear and uncertainty' at the direction of the Trump administration. She said: 'Many clients have expressed that their views do not align with the current government and are anxious about what the future holds for them and the welfare and their families. 'Another recurring concern is fear. Particularly from same-sex couples, and the increasing pressure from various states to ban such marriages.' LGBTQ+ celebrities such as comedian Ellen DeGeneres and designer Tom Ford have made public their misgivings about Mr Trump and already swapped their West Coast abodes for the Cotswolds and Chelsea respectively. The Home Office data also shows a 9.6 per cent increase in American students applying for student visas in the UK following Mr Trump's attacks on 'wokeness' on campus in the US. More than 6,100 US citizens applied for British citizenship last year, marking the highest number in two decades and a 26 per cent rise from 2023.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This $6 Million Southwestern-Style Estate in Central California Has a Helipad for Your Chopper
Fresno, California, or, more specifically, the census-designated place known as Friant, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you envision multimillion-dollar living, but for one couple it was just the ticket. Back in the 1990s, the local pair saw great potential in this Central California property, trading their home at the time plus $100,000 to make it their own. Instead of tearing down the original home that stood on the 6.4-acre rural property, they donated it to the local fire department and SWAT team for training exercises. And, during the process of building up the more than 6,000-square-foot compound, they lived in a tiny guest house with their pets. More from Robb Report Meet the Speed Brokers That Will Help You Drive 200 MPH-Legally Meet the Bush Pilots That Navigate Alaska's Most Perilous Terrain Courtney Love's Former Manhattan Loft Is Up for Grabs at $9.5 Million What they ended up with is a highly personalized abode modeled on the Southwestern-style architecture they saw admired during trips to New Mexico and Arizona. The six-bedroom, five-bath complex is now on the market for $6 million, with Sarah Hedrick at Realty Concepts holding the listing. To achieve an authentic Santa Fe style, the house was built with hand-troweled plaster walls, and Saltillo floor tile is found throughout the home, from the high-ceilinged living room to the bathrooms. The chef's kitchen sports travertine countertops, dual copper sinks, and not just one but two pantries. There's a mini wine fridge here too, but you'll want to store most of your vino in the 1,600-bottle wine cellar, which is accessible by elevator and has a tasting room, to boot. The primary bedroom, meanwhile, has its own gas fireplace—one of five throughout the property. The closets here are lined with cedar, and the ensuite bathroom includes a jetted tub as well as a sauna/steam shower. Friends or family members can make use of the two separate guest houses. Outside, the owners have created a resort-style paradise, complete with a built-in barbecue and outdoor fireplace for alfresco dining. The pool is accompanied by a mosaic-tiled hot tub, and there are ample options for sports enthusiasts. The court complex encompasses tennis, pickleball, and basketball, and there's a putting green for perfecting your stroke. Gearheads can keep up to 14 cars in the massive garage, and if you're planning to arrive via helicopter—because why not?—a helipad is found on the grounds for your convenience. While the Southwestern-inspired residence is perhaps one-of-a-kind in its Central California setting, Fresno and its surrounding towns are steeped in agricultural history. Among the area's most interesting properties is a grand, 1910 Colonial Revival in nearby Del Rey that hit the market earlier this year for $4 of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
