Patti LuPone Apologizes for ‘Disrespectful’ Remarks About Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis
Patti LuPone is apologizing for the first time in her decades-long career after sparking outrage with recent remarks about fellow Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis.
The Tony-winning icon issued a statement via Instagram on Friday (May 31), days after The New Yorker published a profile in which LuPone criticized Lewis and made pointed comments about McDonald.
The backlash was swift, as over 500 members of the theater community signed an open letter denouncing LuPone’s remarks as “a blatant act of racialized disrespect.”
“For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today,” LuPone, 76, began. “I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful.”
She went on to say, “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.”
In her closing, LuPone acknowledged the harm, noting, “I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better.”
The apology followed mounting pressure after an open letter, addressed to the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, urged action, including rescinding LuPone’s invitation to the upcoming Tony Awards on June 8.
The letter also called for “a broader standard of accountability” in the theater world in response to LuPone’s remarks, which included questioning her friendship with McDonald and dismissing her acclaimed “Gypsy” revival performance.
In the new profile, LuPone paused in silence before saying, “What a beautiful day,” when asked about the production.
McDonald earned her record-setting 11th Tony nomination for the role. LuPone, who won a Tony for playing the same part in 2008, has three Tonys to her name.
The actress addressed the alleged “rift” in a preview clip from her upcoming CBS Mornings interview with Gayle King, airing Tuesday (June 3). “If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is,” she said. “You’d have to ask Patti.”
