After an industry uproar and the release of an open letter signed by over 600 Broadway artists, Patti LuPone has apologized … something she’s “never” done.
Specifically, Patti addressed her recent comments about fellow Broadway performers Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald.
The people VS Patti:
The letter addressed the Broadway League, the American Theatre Wing, and “the greater theatre community.”
LuPone’s comments about Lewis and McDonald were “degrading and misogynistic. It [was] a blatant act of racialized disrespect that constituted bullying, harassment, and is emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that people in this industry have endured for far too long.
Patti’s comments are part of a pattern in the theatre industry, which has “a persistent failure to hold people accountable for violent, disrespectful, or harmful behavior, especially when they are powerful or well-known.”
The League and the Wing were asked to disinvite Patti from industry events, including the Tony Awards.
Those disinvited individuals were asked to complete “comprehensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs” if they wish to re-enter the community. The letter also asks for ”clear, transparent policies for addressing harmful behavior.”
Patti penned an apology:
The Broadway legend took to social media to make the masses aware that she is willing to change and do better. The three-time Tony winner admitted that she has “never apologized” to anyone. But, “That is changing today.”
“I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview.”
She specifically noted her comments about Kecia Lewis were “demeaning and disrespectful.” She continued, “I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview.” My comments were “inappropriate. I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community.”
“I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies.”
Patti acknowledged the errors of her ways. “I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. 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. Our entire theatre community deserves better.”
