Introduction to the Incident
Patti Lupone, a three-time Tony winner, has apologized for her comments on Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis. The apology comes after Lupone made a series of remarks in a recent New Yorker cover story that were deemed humiliating and disrespectful.
The Comments and the Backlash
In the interview, Lupone attacked Lewis, calling into question her experience and credibility in the theater industry. She also made a comment about McDonald, saying "I thought: ‘You should know better.’" This is typical of Audra. The comments sparked outrage among the Broadway community, with over 500 members signing an open letter condemning Lupone’s behavior and calling it "humiliating and misogynistic."
The Apology
Lupone took to Instagram to apologize for her comments, saying "As long as I worked in the theater, I spoke my thoughts and never apologized. That changes today." She expressed regret for her "funky and emotional reactions" during the interview and acknowledged that her behavior was "inappropriate" and "insulting" to others. Lupone also stated that she hopes to speak to Lewis and McDonald personally to offer her "sincere apologies."
The Incident that Sparked the Controversy
The drama began last November when Lupone was performing in the Broadway play "The Roommate" and had issues with the volume of the neighboring show, the Alicia Keys jukebox musical "Hell’s Kitchen." According to reports, the sound was leaking from theater to theater and causing problems for Lupone, who asked that the sound instructions be adjusted for the production. Lewis, who stars in "Hell’s Kitchen," later posted an Instagram video demanding an apology from Lupone and accusing her of "obnoxious" and "bullying" behavior.
The Open Letter and its Impact
The open letter from the Broadway community criticized Lupone’s comments, saying they were not only humiliating and misogynistic but also a "blatant act of racial regression." The letter stated that Lupone’s language represented bullying and harassment, and that it was a symbol of the microaggressions and abuse that people in the industry have experienced for too long. The letter concluded that Lupone’s behavior was a public affront to the values of cooperation, justice, and mutual respect that the theater community claims to uphold.
Conclusion
Lupone’s apology has been seen as a step in the right direction, but the incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and accountability in the theater industry. The Broadway community has come together to condemn Lupone’s behavior and to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity. As Lupone stated, "Our entire theater community deserves better," and it is up to everyone in the industry to work towards creating a more positive and supportive environment.
