June 1, 2025
LuPone as soon as referred to Lewis as a “b***” and in addition deemed McDonald “not a good friend.”
A whole bunch of theater artists have signed an open letter calling for “accountability” from Patti LuPone over her feedback made towards fellow Broadway stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald.
The letter, signed by over 500 members of the worldwide theater group, was enacted by Theater for Change. Shared with Deadline, the document serves as a “collective call-in” as they advocate for justice.
The letter recalled LuPone’s interview with The New Yorker the place she referred to Lewis as a “b***.” Beforehand coated on BLACK ENTERPRISE, LuPone additionally deemed McDonald as “not a good friend,” whereas undermining Lewis’ Broadway profession.
The letter deemed the feedback a “blatant act of racialized disrespect.” Its writers additionally emphasised the way it contributes to microaggressions towards Black actors within the theater business.
“Just lately, Patti LuPone made deeply inappropriate and unacceptable public feedback about two of Broadway’s most revered and beloved artists: Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald,” detailed the letter. ” In a broadcast interview with The New Yorker, she referred to Kecia Lewis—a Black girl and a 40-year veteran of the American stage—as a “b***.” This language just isn’t solely degrading and misogynistic—it’s a blatant act of racialized disrespect.”
The letter detailed how LuPone’s phrases actively labored towards the values upheld throughout the theater group. Particularly given Lewis and McDonald’s Broadway legacies, the letter cited a grave disrespect to the ladies as Black stage actors.
It added “To publicly assault a girl who has contributed to this artwork type with such excellence, management, and style—and to discredit the legacy of Audra McDonald, probably the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award historical past—just isn’t merely a private offense. It’s a public affront to the values of collaboration, fairness, and mutual respect that our theater group claims to uphold.”
The letter not solely affirmed Lewis and McDonald, however all of the Black actors who confronted disrespect that went unchecked. It additionally known as on theater business leaders to not let the actions of LuPone and others skate by. As an alternative, they urged them to strip their participation at notable occasions till rightful accountability is met.
Nevertheless, this accountability doesn’t equate to “cancelling.” The letter hopes to advertise equity and justice throughout the group, defending all who grace its phases.
“This isn’t about “canceling” anybody or condemning them — it’s about care. Take care of our artists, our values, and the way forward for our shared craft. We write as a result of we wish this group to thrive — not simply in field workplace numbers or crucial acclaim, however in integrity, security, and mutual respect. We envision a theater business the place all artists — together with Black girls — are protected, valued, and celebrated.”
In gentle of the letter, LuPone made a public apology for her phrases. She known as her response not solely “demeaning and disrespectful” but additionally “flippant and emotional.” She additionally acknowledged that she agreed “wholeheartedly” with the assertion made within the open letter.
“I remorse my flippant and emotional responses throughout this interview, which had been inappropriate, and I’m devastated that my habits has offended others and has run counter to what we maintain pricey on this group,” wrote LuPone to Instagram. “I hope to have the prospect to talk to Audra [McDonald] and Kecia [Lewis] personally to supply my apologies.”
RELATED CONTENT: Patti LuPone Says Audra McDonald Is ‘Not A Buddy’ And Snubs Her Current Tony Nomination