Broadway icon Patti LuPone has issued a rare and emotional public apology following intense backlash over comments she made about fellow theater stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald. The drama began after LuPone’s recent interview sparked outrage across the theater community, with hundreds of artists speaking out against her remarks.
The Interview That Sparked It All
In an interview with The New Yorker, published on May 26, LuPone opened up about her long career in theater. But what caught readers’ attention wasn’t her decades of achievements — it was her surprisingly sharp words about two respected performers.
Referring to Kecia Lewis, LuPone called her a “bitch” and questioned her experience, asking, “Who is Kecia Lewis?” when told that Lewis is a Broadway veteran. She also distanced herself from Audra McDonald, saying they were “not friends” and refusing to comment on McDonald’s acclaimed performance in a recent production of Gypsy.
The comments were seen as dismissive and hurtful, especially given the longstanding contributions of both Lewis and McDonald to the Broadway stage.
Theater Community Pushes Back
The fallout was swift. Within days, more than 500 actors, directors, and other Broadway professionals signed an open letter condemning LuPone’s remarks. The letter, which circulated widely online, described her statements as racially charged and disrespectful. It accused her of “bullying,” “harassment,” and contributing to an unsafe environment for performers of color.
The group also urged major theater institutions — including the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing — to take action. Some even called for LuPone to be excluded from this year’s Tony Awards, which are just around the corner.
LuPone’s Public Apology
On May 31, LuPone responded with a lengthy statement on Instagram. It was clear she had taken the criticism to heart.
“I want to apologize for the demeaning and disrespectful comments I made,” she wrote. “I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community.”
She admitted that her words were “flippant and emotional” and expressed a desire to personally apologize to both Lewis and McDonald.
“For as long as I have worked in the theatre,” she added, “I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today.”
Where Do Lewis and McDonald Stand?
Audra McDonald has kept her response measured and graceful. Speaking to CBS News, she said she was “very surprised” by LuPone’s comments. She explained that they hadn’t spoken in over a decade and that she wasn’t aware of any personal conflict between them.
Kecia Lewis, meanwhile, has not responded directly to the apology. She had previously spoken out about LuPone’s criticism of the volume of the new Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen, in which Lewis stars. LuPone had claimed the show was too loud for her to stay and watch. Many, including Lewis, took the comments as racially insensitive — implying that LuPone was criticizing a show that celebrates Black voices and music rooted in Black culture.
A Community in Reflection
This controversy has sparked important conversations about respect, racial dynamics, and accountability in the theater world. For many, it’s not just about one person’s comments — it’s about a pattern of exclusion and erasure that artists of color have long spoken about.
LuPone’s apology may be the start of a healing process, but it also highlights how even legends of the stage must continue learning, growing, and listening. With the Tony Awards approaching, the spotlight will be on Broadway — not just for its artistry, but also for how it handles moments like these.
