Patti LuPone has issued an apology following comments made in a recent interview about fellow Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis.
In a recent New Yorker cover story, the three-time Tony-winning actor, 76, made a series of foul-mouthed remarks, attacking Hell’s Kitchen actor Lewis and Gypsy lead McDonald.
“For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today,” LuPone began in the statement posted to Instagram.
“I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful. I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community.”
LuPone continued, saying she hopes to speak to Lewis and McDonald personally to offer her “sincere apologies.”
She continued her apology letter, focusing next on the letter published yesterday by more than 500 Broadway professionals condemning LuPone’s “degrading and misogynistic” comments.
“I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday,” LuPone said. “From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don’t belong anywhere else.
“I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Out entire theatre community deserves better,” she concluded before signing off with her name.
More to follow
