A Luminary of the Stage Faces Criticism
Patti LuPone—a name that’s practically synonymous with Broadway—is facing major backlash right now. She’s one of the greats, no doubt about it, with unforgettable performances like Eva Perón in Evita and Rose in Gypsy (which both snagged her Tony Awards). Over her career, she’s wowed audiences in Anything Goes, Sweeney Todd, Company, and War Paint, earning three Tonys and seven nominations in total. But even legends can find themselves in hot water.
What Went Down?
In an interview with The New Yorker, LuPone made comments that didn’t sit well with a lot of people. She called fellow Broadway veteran Kecia Lewis a “bitch” and said Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony winner, is “not a friend.” This all happened while tensions were already high due to a dispute about sound issues during performances of Hell’s Kitchen, where Lewis stars.
Lewis fired back, calling out LuPone’s behavior as “racially microaggressive” and “bullying.” Her response struck a chord with many, turning what might have been a backstage spat into a full-blown industry-wide controversy.
Broadway Speaks Out
The theater community didn’t hold back. Over 500 Broadway insiders signed an open letter condemning LuPone’s comments. The letter called her actions harmful and demanded she skip this year’s Tony Awards unless she completes anti-bias or restorative justice training. It’s a big ask but reflects a growing push for respect and inclusion in the arts.
Even Audra McDonald, who worked with LuPone years ago, admitted she was baffled by the comments, saying they haven’t interacted much recently. Meanwhile, Kecia Lewis took to Instagram, sharing a heartfelt video about microaggressions in the arts and urging for better conversations around inclusivity.
From Broadway to Disney+
While all this is unfolding, LuPone’s TV career is still making waves. She recently starred as Lilia Calderu in Disney+’s Agatha All Along, a WandaVision spinoff. Fans and critics loved her portrayal of the powerful witch, but unfortunately, this controversy is threatening to overshadow her achievements on screen.
A Big Question Mark on Her Legacy
With the Tony Awards just around the corner, LuPone’s situation is sparking some serious debate. Her contributions to Broadway are undeniable, but this scandal has put her legacy under the microscope. For someone who has been a dominant force in theater for decades, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
So, what do you think? Has the backlash against Patti LuPone gone too far, or is this a necessary step toward accountability? Let us know in the comments below!
Ridiculous that any negative comment automatically is attributed to racism. There are many reasons not to like an individual.
Who really cares and why is this in a Disney Newsletter. These people have no bearing on our lives.
Patti Lupone is a foul mouthed obnoxious bulky. She is so full of herself I’m suprised she even realized there were other Broadway actors on the planet besides her.