Patti LuPone has publicly apologized following widespread condemnation from the Broadway community regarding her recent comments that were deemed disrespectful towards fellow Broadway actresses Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald. Her remarks sparked outrage among her peers, leading to a significant backlash that highlighted the need for accountability within the industry.
“I have always been outspoken throughout my career in theatre, rarely offering apologies. However, I recognize that this must change,” LuPone stated in a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram account on Saturday, May 31. This statement marks a notable shift in her approach to addressing controversies surrounding her public persona.
LuPone expressed profound regret for her comments made during an interview with The New Yorker, specifically those regarding Kecia Lewis, which she now recognizes as demeaning and disrespectful. She acknowledged that her emotional and offhand remarks during the interview were inappropriate and conveyed her devastation at having offended her colleagues. LuPone hopes to personally reach out to both Audra and Kecia to extend her sincere apologies and mend any rifts her words may have caused.
This apology followed the publication of an open letter that addressed LuPone’s comments, signed by over 500 individuals from the Broadway community. The letter condemned her remarks as “degrading and misogynistic,” while also calling attention to a larger issue within the Broadway industry: a troubling culture of failing to hold influential figures accountable for their harmful actions. The letter highlighted a persistent pattern of disrespectful behavior that particularly impacts marginalized voices.
In her statement on Saturday, LuPone acknowledged the sentiments expressed in the open letter and voiced her regret over her comments directed at her peers. She emphasized the importance of community in theatre, stating that it should be a space where individuals uplift each other and embrace those who feel out of place. LuPone took full responsibility for her actions and expressed her commitment to rectifying the situation, affirming that the theatre community deserves better standards of respect and accountability.
Earlier this week, The New Yorker featured a profile on LuPone that included her disparaging comments regarding Kecia Lewis, who is currently performing in the Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. During the interview, LuPone referred to Lewis in a derogatory manner, questioning her status as a stage “veteran,” which has drawn significant criticism from the community.
LuPone recounted her grievances to Robert Wankel, head of the Shubert Organization, about the sound from Lewis’ production being audible during her performance in The Roommate. Lewis had previously responded on social media, characterizing LuPone’s remarks as “bullying,” “racially microaggressive,” and indicative of a privilege-driven perspective that unfairly labels a Black production as “loud.”
“Does she really consider herself a veteran?” LuPone remarked in the The New Yorker article, published on May 26. She questioned Lewis’ Broadway experience, suggesting that she was unaware of the realities of the theatre industry. This comment has received backlash for its insensitivity and lack of awareness regarding the challenges faced by performers of color.
LuPone also commented on her perceived “rift” with McDonald, who had publicly supported Lewis. “That’s typical of Audra. She’s not a friend,” LuPone stated in the article. However, McDonald later clarified that she was not aware of any such rift, highlighting the misconceptions that can arise within the theatre community.
Patti LuPone is a celebrated performer, known for her three Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards. In 2024, she starred as Robyn in the acclaimed dark comedy The Roommate, sharing the stage with Mia Farrow’s character, Sharon. The production had a successful four-month run at the Booth Theatre, following a series of concert performances across various U.S. cities that took place from late January to late May, with additional festival appearances planned for the summer.
Kecia Lewis achieved her first Tony Award in 2024 for her remarkable performance as Miss Liza Jane in Hell’s Kitchen. This Broadway production not only celebrated her talent but also garnered a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album last year. Hell’s Kitchen continues to captivate audiences at the Shubert Theatre, contributing to the ongoing legacy of Broadway excellence.
Audra McDonald, currently leading the revival of Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre, boasts an impressive career with six Tony Awards, two Grammys, and an Emmy. She is nominated for another Tony for her portrayal of Rose in Gypsy, adding to her record-setting number of nominations, which now totals eleven. McDonald’s contributions to the theatre continue to inspire and elevate the art form.
The 2025 Tony Awards are set to broadcast live on CBS to audiences across both coasts on Sunday, June 8, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET. Viewers can also stream the event on Paramount+, showcasing the very best in theatrical talent and productions.
