Patti LuPone Apologizes for Interview Comments About Kecia Lewis, Audra McDonald: “I Am Devastated”

Patti LuPone has expressed regret over her more recent statements about Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis, which have sparked conversations across the theater community, as they were published in a New Yorker profile.

As a lifelong gamer, I’ve always been open and unapologetic about my opinions. But today, I want to change that. I’m truly sorry for the words I used in that New Yorker interview, especially those directed towards Kecia Lewis. Those comments were careless and disrespectful, and I deeply regret them. My responses during the interview were impulsive and inappropriate, and I’m devastated to learn they’ve hurt others within our gaming community. I hope to have a chance to personally apologize to Audra and Kecia for my thoughtless behavior.

Yesterday’s open letter resonated deeply with me. From the drama club days in middle school to the professional stages now, theatre has always been about uplifting one another and providing a sanctuary for those who might feel lost elsewhere. As someone who has walked these paths, I acknowledge my past mistakes, take full responsibility, and am determined to set things right. Our extraordinary theatre community deserves nothing less than respect and understanding.

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Lewis and McDonald’s reps for comment.

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Last Friday, Playbill announced that a letter had been circulated among more than 500 Broadway performers criticizing Patti LuPone’s conduct. The letter stated, in essence, that her remarks demonstrated a “repeated refusal to address instances of violent, disrespectful, or harmful behavior, particularly when the perpetrators are influential or renowned.” Among those who signed it were Tony Award winners Wendell Pierce, James Monroe Iglehart, Maleah Joi Moon, and Courtney Love.

Previously during the autumn season, when Pone was performing in the play “The Roommate“, she lodged a complaint about the noise from the nearby musical production “Hell’s Kitchen“, where Lewis was acting. Later, Lewis expressed on Instagram that Pone’s behavior was “bullying”, “subtly racist” and stemmed from privilege.

In the interview for the New Yorker, LuPone retorted by stating, “There seems to be a misunderstanding here. If she claims to be a veteran, let’s verify her Broadway performances, as it appears she might not fully grasp the subject matter.” She added, “Please refrain from using such titles unless you truly deserve them.

LuPone had previously stated that McDonald was not a friend, and there was a disagreement between them many years ago. However, during an interview on CBS Mornings this Thursday to promote Gypsy and her 11th Tony nomination, McDonald expressed surprise over LuPone’s remarks. “If there’s any issue between us,” said McDonald, “I’m not aware of it. You might want to ask Patti about that since I haven’t seen her for approximately 11 years due to my busy schedule.

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2025-06-01 01:24