Patti Lupone’s Latest Comments Spark Controversy

Patti Lupone, a renowned Broadway actress, has once again found herself at the center of controversy due to her recent comments. The 76-year-old actress, known for her iconic roles in various Broadway productions, has been involved in a heated exchange with another Broadway actor, Kecia Lewis.

The Incident

The controversy began when Lupone, who is currently starring in the Broadway production of "The Roommate," complained about the noise level of the neighboring show, "Hell’s Kitchen," a musical featuring Alicia Keys. Lupone allegedly yelled through a shared wall, asking the crew to keep the noise down, as it was disrupting her performance. The issue was eventually resolved after Robert Wankel, the head of the Shubert Organization, intervened, and Lupone sent flowers to the "Hell’s Kitchen" crew to apologize.

The Backlash

However, the situation took a turn when Kecia Lewis, a Tony Award-winning actress from "Hell’s Kitchen," posted a video on Instagram addressing the incident. Lewis accused Lupone of being "bullying," "racist," and "microaggressive" for complaining about the noise level of a "black show." Lupone responded to the allegations in a recent profile in The New Yorker, saying, "This is the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Let’s find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis did, because she doesn’t know what she’s talking about."

The Numbers Game

Lupone claimed that she had done 31 Broadway shows, while Lewis had only done seven. However, The New Yorker fact-checked the numbers and found that Lewis had actually done 10 Broadway productions, while Lupone had done 28. Lupone’s response sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many calling her out for her comments.

Social Media Reaction

Many people took to social media to express their disappointment and outrage over Lupone’s comments. Some called her "tactless" and "deaf," while others accused her of being "incredibly inappropriate" and "angry." One person wrote, "The nerve to reduce the legacy and achievement of Ms. Lewis and then call her out of her name is unacceptable." Another person stated, "Patti is so tactless and deaf… like, girl."

A History of Controversy

This is not the first time Lupone has been involved in a controversy. She has a history of speaking her mind and has been known to clash with others in the theater community. In 2022, she made headlines for yelling at an audience member who was not wearing a mask properly during a talkback for the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s "Company." Lupone has also been known to take cell phones away from audience members who use them during performances and has been involved in public feuds with other celebrities.

Refusal to Comment

Lupone also refused to comment on the current revival of "Gypsy," which features Audra McDonald as the lead, a role that Lupone played in 2008. When asked about the production, which features a black woman as the central figure for the first time, Lupone remained silent for 15 seconds before changing the subject.