An open letter signed by more than 500 members of the Broadway community is calling for accountability from the Broadway League, the American Theatre Wing, and the wider theatre industry following comments made by veteran actress Patti LuPone. The remarks, directed toward fellow Black actresses Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald, have sparked outrage and reignited conversations around racism, privilege, and harassment in the performing arts.
The letter, organized by the advocacy group Theater for Change, has been widely shared across social media and submitted to multiple media outlets. It has garnered support from prominent Broadway figures, including Tony Award winners Wendell Pierce, Maleah Joi Moon, and James Monroe Iglehart.
The Letter’s Claims
The open letter states that LuPone made “deeply inappropriate and unacceptable” comments in a New Yorker interview, referring to Kecia Lewis — a veteran Black actress with over four decades of experience — using a derogatory term. The letter labeled the remarks as misogynistic and racially charged, describing them as part of a broader culture of microaggressions and harassment within the theater industry.
“It constitutes bullying. It constitutes harassment. It is emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long, too often without consequence,” the letter reads.
The statement urges that individuals who publicly demean or harass others — particularly with racial or gendered language — should not be welcomed at high-profile industry events such as the Tony Awards or public programs.
Incident Origins and Fallout
The controversy stems from an incident at Broadway’s Booth Theatre during a production of The Roommate, starring LuPone and Mia Farrow. The theater is adjacent to the Shubert Theatre, home to Hell’s Kitchen, a musical produced by Alicia Keys featuring a predominantly Black cast.
LuPone reportedly complained about loud music coming from Hell’s Kitchen. While the issue was resolved and LuPone sent flowers as a gesture, Lewis — a lead in Hell’s Kitchen — described the complaints on Instagram as racially insensitive and rooted in privilege.
Audra McDonald, who stars in the current revival of Gypsy, supported Lewis’ post with emojis of approval, further intensifying the dialogue.
LuPone’s Response in The New Yorker
When asked about the criticism during her New Yorker interview, LuPone dismissed Lewis’ experience and said:
“She’s done seven [Broadway shows]. I’ve done thirty-one. Don’t call yourself a vet, bitch.”
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(Note: The New Yorker later clarified the numbers were 28 for LuPone and 10 for Lewis.)
Regarding McDonald, LuPone stated:
“That’s typical of Audra. She’s not a friend.”
These statements have led to widespread backlash, with critics describing them as racially and professionally dismissive. In the same interview, LuPone also made critical remarks about various public figures including Donald Trump, Glenn Close, Kevin Kline, and Sarah Palin.
Industry Reactions and Next Steps
When contacted by Deadline, a representative from the letter’s organizers stated that the movement is intentionally collaborative and without a central spokesperson. They emphasized the wide support across different areas of the theater community, including actors, writers, stage managers, casting directors, and administrators.
No official responses have yet been released by The Broadway League, The American Theatre Wing, or LuPone’s representatives.
Conclusion
This ongoing controversy highlights the need for continued conversations around racial equity, professionalism, and mutual respect in the performing arts. The response from the Broadway community sends a strong message: harmful language and behavior, regardless of stature or legacy, should not go unchallenged.
