500 Broadway Performers Sign Open Letter Urging Tony Awards to Disinvite Patti LuPone for ‘Degrading and Misogynistic’ Comments

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A group of Broadway performers and theater professionals are urging the organizers of the Tony Awards to exclude Patti LuPone from this year’s event following her contentious comments about Audra McDonald and “Hell’s Kitchen” star Kecia Lewis in a recent interview with The New Yorker. An open letter, which now has over 500 signatures, includes names like James Monroe Iglehart, J. Harrison Ghee, Maleah Joi Moon, Ephraim Sykes, Wendell Pierce, Jaquel Spivey, and Courtney Love. Other stage and screen veterans have also added their support to the cause.

The letter states that no individual, whether an artist, producer, filmmaker, or leader, regardless of their status or reputation, should have the power to use their influence negatively against others by insulting, threatening, or diminishing them without facing repercussions.

In an article for The New Yorker, published on May 26th, Patti LuPone discussed issues that arose last fall when she was performing in “The Roommate” on Broadway. The theater where the show took place shared a wall with Alicia Keys’ musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” and LuPone expressed concerns about the loud noises coming from next door to the head of the Shubert Organization. After the noise problem was resolved, she sent flowers to the cast and crew of “Hell’s Kitchen.” However, she faced criticism on social media from Lewis, who called her actions “bullying” and “racially microaggressive.” McDonald expressed support for Lewis’ message.

When LuPone was queried about Lewis’ social media post by The New Yorker, she labeled the actress as “difficult” and wondered if Lewis, who earned a Tony for “Hell’s Kitchen,” could truly be considered a Broadway veteran. During that same conversation, she distanced herself from McDonald, implying they were not close friends, and subtly criticized her portrayal in “Gypsy.” (LuPone had won a Tony for an earlier revival of the musical.)

The open missive takes issue with LuPone’s remarks regarding Lewis, arguing that her choice of words is not just disrespectful and sexist, but it also represents a flagrant form of racially charged disregard. It qualifies as bullying, harassment. It underscores the frequent instances of microaggressions and mistreatment experienced in this profession, often without repercussions.

It goes on to criticize LuPone’s comments about McDonald.

The letter states, ‘It’s more than just a personal insult to attack a woman who has excelled, led, and graced this art form. It also undermines the reputation of Audra McDonald, the most honored performer in Tony Awards history. This action is not merely a personal offense; it’s a public challenge to the values of teamwork, fairness, and respect that our theater community aspires to embody.’

The correspondence puts forth the point that Broadway hasn’t been forceful enough in denouncing the unacceptable conduct of influential figures within its sphere, contrasting it to other business sectors with more visible and decisive actions against such misconduct.

In my perspective, it’s quite perplexing why Broadway, with its rich history and esteemed reputation, would choose to set a lower standard when compared to other industries. For instance, in 2021, the NFL fined the Washington Commanders $10 million and took action against Dan Snyder due to revelations of a toxic work environment. Similarly, Will Smith was banned from the Oscars for ten years after his unsavory actions during a live broadcast. These organizations swiftly acted to uphold their values and maintain the integrity of their communities. I can’t help but wonder, why should Broadway be any different?

The Tony Awards are set to broadcast on the 8th of June. However, neither a representative from the awards nor one from LuPone responded promptly to our request for a comment.

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2025-05-31 03:16