Latest news with #PattiLuPone
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Broadway Community Condemns Patti LuPone's 'Bullying' of Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis in Scathing Open Letter
An open letter signed by over 500 members of the New York theater community is calling out Patti LuPone The actress had made disparaging remarks about fellow Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis in a New Yorker profile The letter asks the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing to disinvite LuPone from the Tony Awards and similar eventsPatti LuPone's recent comments disparaging her fellow Broadway actresses continue to make waves throughout the New York theater community. An open letter reprimanding the Tony winner, 76, over her quotes about Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis in a recent New Yorker interview has been signed by over 500 artists, Playbill reports. Wendell Pierce, Courtney Love and James Monroe Iglehart are among the signatures. The letter pinpoints what it called LuPone's 'deeply inappropriate and unacceptable public comments about two of Broadway's most respected and beloved artists,' McDonald, 54, and Lewis, 59, who are both Black. 'This language is not only degrading and misogynistic — it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect,' reads the letter. '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 continues. While starring in Broadway play The Roommate at the Booth Theatre, LuPone made viral comments about Hell's Kitchen performing next door at the Shubert Theatre, calling it 'too loud.' Lewis, who leads the Alicia Keys musical in her Tony-winning lead role, posted a video last November calling LuPone's words "racially microaggressive," "rude" and "rooted in privilege." Speaking with The New Yorker, LuPone responded, "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--- she's talking about… Don't call yourself a vet, bitch!" Asked about McDonald's apparent support via emojis on Lewis' Instagram post, the Agatha All Along star made it clear the record-breaking Tony Award winner is "not a friend," pointedly refusing to answer a question about McDonald's current Tony-nominated run in the Majestic Theatre's Gypsy, a musical LuPone previously starred in. "We write not to shame or isolate, but to speak with honesty, clarity, and care," the open letter states. "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. It is a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold." The letter, addressed to the theater community as well as Tony producers the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, calls for those organizations to disinvite LuPone, and anyone using 'their platform to publicly demean, harass, or disparage fellow artists,' from 'industry events, including the Tony Awards, fundraisers, and public programs.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a CBS Sunday Morning interview with Gayle King, set to air in full next week, McDonald responded to LuPone's remarks, saying, "If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is." "That's something you'd have to ask Patti about," she continued. "You know, I haven't seen her in about 11 years just because we've been busy just with life. So I don't know what rift she's talking about, but you'd have to ask her." In her New Yorker interview, LuPone also took aim at her ex Kevin Kline, as well as Glenn Close, Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patti LuPone apologizes for remarks about Kecia Lewis, Audra Macdonald
May 31 (UPI) -- Patti LuPone has apologized for her recent remarks about her fellow Broadway stars Kecia Lewis and Audra Mcdonald after hundreds of members of the New York theater community attempted to get LuPone disinvited to the Tony Awards. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patti LuPone (@pattilupone) "For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today," LuPone said in an Instagram post Saturday. "I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful," she added, referring to comments that appeared at the end of a wide-ranging article published online May 26. "I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community. I hope to have a chance to speak to Audra [McDonald] and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies." Variety said an open letter -- signed by about 500 people connected to the New York theater community -- made the rounds Friday, condemning LuPone's remarks and asking the organizers of the Tony Awards to ban her from Broadway's biggest night.
Washington Post
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Patti LuPone apologizes for ‘flippant' remarks about other Broadway stars
Patti LuPone apologized Saturday for what she said were 'flippant' responses she made about fellow Broadway stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald, which spawned backlash in the theater community and an open letter signed by hundreds of theater artists condemning Lupone's behavior. 'For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized,' she wrote in an Instagram post. 'That is changing today.' LuPone said she was 'deeply sorry' for her words in a New Yorker interview published Monday, particularly 'demeaning and disrespectful' remarks when asked about an incident between her and Lewis, an actress in the Alicia Keys musical 'Hell's Kitchen.' 'I am devastated that my behavior offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community,' LuPone continued. 'I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies.' The fiasco began in November, when Lewis posted a video to Instagram accusing LuPone of bullying and being 'racially microaggressive' after LuPone — performing in the show 'The Roommate' next door to Lewis's show with a predominantly Black cast — complained that 'Hell's Kitchen' was too loud and asked the theater owner to change the sound. (Black people have historically been stereotyped as being aggressive, loud and angry, the National Museum of African American History and Culture states.) 'I'd like to offer a couple of thoughtful questions for veterans, such as yourself and including myself, we can consider to support community building, equity and inclusivity on Broadway,' Lewis said in the November video. Responding to the video in the New Yorker interview this week, LuPone took issue with Lewis framing herself as a veteran Broadway actress. 'Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done,' LuPone said before undercounting how many Broadway shows Lewis had performed in and overcounting her own Broadway resume. 'Don't call yourself a vet.' When the New Yorker interviewer mentioned that McDonald — who holds the record for the performer with the most Tony Award wins — had given Lewis's video supportive emojis, LuPone said McDonald was 'not a friend' and that the two had a long-ago rift. LuPone also didn't comment on McDonald's current production of 'Gypsy,' where McDonald plays and is Tony-nominated for Mama Rose, the same role LuPone won a Tony for in 2008. Instead, LuPone stared at the interviewer before changing the subject. McDonald denied LuPone's claim that the two were fighting in a CBS interview with Gayle King. 'If there is a rift between us, I don't know what it is. That's something you would have to ask Patti about,' McDonald said. '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.' An open letter that circulated Friday signed by more than 500 theater artists condemned LuPone's comments and behavior as 'deeply inappropriate and unacceptable.' '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,' the letter said. In her apology Saturday, LuPone backtracked on her comments toward McDonald and Lewis and said she had made a mistake. 'Theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don't belong anywhere else,' LuPone said in her note Saturday. '... I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better.'
CBS News
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Patti LuPone apologizes after Broadway community's open letter calls out her comments on Kecia Lewis, Audra McDonald
Patti LuPone has issued an apology after hundreds of Broadway performers spoke out against the three-time Tony Awards winner over what they say is a pattern of "inappropriate and unacceptable public comments," specifically against Broadway star Kecia Lewis, in an open letter. "For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today." LuPone said in her apology posted Saturday on social media. Lupone issued the apology in response to a letter, dated May 30 and addressed to the American Theatre Wing, the national trade association for the Broadway theatre industry, calling on decision makers to "hold people accountable for violent, disrespectful, or harmful behavior." More than 500 Broadway performers — including James Monroe Iglehart, Kalen Allen and Tatianna Córdoba — signed the open letter, which was first published in Playbill. It comes after the New Yorker published an interview last week with 76-year-old LuPone, a White performer, in which she said of Lewis, who is a Black actress said: "Don't call yourself a vet, bitch," apparently referring to Lewis' November 2024 video posted to her Instagram in which she spoke about LuPone's behavior. "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," said the open letter. LuPone's issue with Lewis appeared to have began last fall when she starred in "The Roommate," a two-woman show with Mia Farrow that was next door to "Hell's Kitchen," a musical inspired by Alicia Key's life and music in which Lewis performed and won Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone during the opening night curtain call for the new play "The Roommate" on Broadway at The Booth Theatre on September 12, 2024 in New York City. Bruce Glikas/WireImage According to Lewis' video, LuPone had made complaints about the noise from the musical, which led to changes to the sound design that "negatively impacted" the show and its performers. Lewis also brought up a video of LuPone refusing to sign a fan's "Hell's Kitchen" playbill because the musical is "too loud." "I wanted to address this because, Ms. LuPone, these actions, in my opinion, are bullying," Lewis said in the video. "They're offensive, they are racially microaggressive, they're rude, they're rooted in privilege. And these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone as yourself, who has been in the business as long as you have." Lewis then asked LuPone, from one Broadway veteran to another, to apologize. When asked, LuPone addressed the situation in the New Yorker article, saying, "This is not unusual on Broadway. This happens all the time when walls are shared." "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--- she's talking about," LuPone told the New Yorker. CBS News has reached out to LuPone and Lewis for comment. Kecia Lewis of "Hell's Kitchen" performs onstage during The 77th Annual Tony Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on June 16, 2024 in New York City. Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions When the New Yorker asked about Audra McDonald, who appeared to support Lewis' video, LuPone said: "That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend." She added that the two had issues in the past, but didn't go into details. In her apology on Saturday, LuPone said she regrets her "flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community." "I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies," LuPone added. "I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don't belong anywhere else. I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better." McDonald, the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award history, told CBS News' Gayle King in an interview set to air Tuesday on "CBS Mornings" that she had not seen LuPone in 11 years. "If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is. That's something you'd have to ask Patti about," McDonald said. Next week on June 8, the Tony Awards are set to broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+. McDonald could add snatch her seventh Tony win thanks to the revival of "Gypsy."
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Patti LuPone breaks silence over brutal swipes against Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis
Broadway star Patti LuPone has now apologized for the swipes she made about Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis. In a statement obtained by and posted to her social media accounts, LuPone said she regrets the 'flippant' and 'emotional' responses she offered when asked about McDonald and Lewis during her recent interview with the New Yorker. LuPone, 76, called Lewis, 59, a 'b***h' and said McDonald, 54, was 'not a friend' during her controversial profile. The actress was especially remorseful over the insult she threw at Lewis, which she admitted was 'demeaning and disrespectful' and expressed hopes that she would be able to speak with both of the actresses 'personally' to make amends. 'For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today,' the statement began. 'I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful. I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community. 'I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies. 'I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don't belong anywhere else. 'I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better.' has reached out to representatives for McDonald and Lewis for comment but did not immediately receive a response. LuPone has faced much backlash since her controversial interview with the New Yorker was published, and her remarks even drew the ire of her own Broadway 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. 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 were degrading, misogynistic, and a 'blatant act of racialized disrespect.' 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.'
