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Patti LuPone has officially issued an apology regarding comments she made in a recent interview with The New Yorker, for which she faced criticism from the theatre community.
The remarks mainly targeted Broadway stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald. Patti LuPone's comments were called "disrespectful," "misogynistic," and "racially charged" by more than 500 theatre professionals who signed an open letter demanding accountability.
The letter was published on May 30, 2025, and was addressed to the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League.
Patti LuPone posted her apology statement in response to the open letter on social media on May 31, 2025. LuPone admitted,
"I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right."
Complete public statement of Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone's complete apology statement is as follows:
"For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today. 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. I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies."
She concluded, stating:
"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."
The backlash began after The New Yorker published an interview last week featuring Patti LuPone, who is a three-time Tony Award winner and is mainly known for her long career in Broadway hits like Evita, Gypsy, and Company.
In the interview, the 76-year-old actress was asked about a dispute dating back to fall 2024, which involved sound complaints during her run in The Roommate, where she starred alongside Mia Farrow.
The play's venue shared a wall with Hell's Kitchen, where Kecia Lewis performed. LuPone allegedly complained that the sound from Hell's Kitchen was disruptive. Lewis later posted a video in response, calling LuPone's actions "racially microaggressive," "bullying," and more.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Patti LuPone responded in the interview, saying:
"She calls herself a veteran? Let's find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she does not know what the f**k she is talking about.”
She also referred to Lewis as a "b*tch" and addressed Audra McDonald, who had publicly supported Lewis, as "not a friend."
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