Patti LuPone has publicly apologized for making what she has now termed “demeaning and disrespectful” remarks about fellow Broadway performers Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald during a recent interview with The New Yorker. Her comments triggered a significant backlash within the theater community, leading to an open letter signed by many Broadway artists calling for accountability.
In the interview, LuPone referred to Lewis as a “b*tch” and characterized McDonald as “not a friend,” responses that attracted widespread criticism due to their inappropriate nature. Following the uproar, LuPone issued an apologetic statement via Instagram, emphasizing that she is “deeply sorry” for her words, particularly those directed at Lewis. She stated, “I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others.”
Further expressing her remorse, LuPone stated that she hopes to personally apologize to Lewis and McDonald. The open letter from the Broadway community described her comments as not only degrading but also indicative of microaggressions that have historically existed within the theater industry. It emphasized the need for institutional action, urging organizations like the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League to reconsider LuPone’s participation in industry events, including the upcoming Tony Awards.
While LuPone acknowledged the validity of the community’s criticisms, she also highlighted the importance of supporting one another within the theater world. “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,” she wrote.
The Tony Awards are scheduled to take place on June 8, 2025, and many are awaiting the outcome of this situation in hopes of fostering a more respectful and inclusive environment within the industry. LuPone’s apology, coupled with the community’s call for change, represents a significant moment for reflection and growth in the performing arts.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining respectful dialogue in high-pressure environments like Broadway, where emotions can run high. Nevertheless, LuPone’s willingness to take responsibility and engage in dialogue could pave the way for healing and reestablishing camaraderie among artists.
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