In late May 2025, Broadway legend Patti LuPone found herself at the center of one of the theater world’s most intense public controversies in recent years. A profile published in The New Yorker ignited a wave of criticism, accusations, and industry-wide backlash that quickly escalated beyond a simple interview dispute.
From allegations of racial microaggressions to a Broadway open letter signed by more than 500 artists, the situation became a defining cultural moment for the theater community.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened and why it mattered.
What Sparked the Patti LuPone Controversy?
The controversy began with comments LuPone made during a New Yorker interview in late May 2025.
During the interview, she:
- Used a derogatory term to describe Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis
- Dismissed Lewis’ status as a “Broadway veteran”
- Stated that six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald was “not a friend”
These remarks immediately triggered backlash within the Broadway community.
The Origins: The “Hell’s Kitchen” Sound Dispute
The conflict traces back to a 2024 dispute involving the musical Hell’s Kitchen, in which Kecia Lewis starred.
LuPone had publicly complained that sound from the production was too loud and disruptive. However, Lewis responded by characterizing LuPone’s actions as “racially microaggressive.”
The disagreement resurfaced in the 2025 interview, amplifying tensions.
Audra McDonald’s Role
The situation intensified further when LuPone commented that Audra McDonald was “not a friend.”
This comment followed McDonald’s public support of Kecia Lewis on social media during the earlier dispute.
Given McDonald’s stature — a six-time Tony Award winner and one of Broadway’s most respected performers — LuPone’s remark was seen by many as unnecessarily dismissive.
The Broadway Open Letter
The controversy escalated dramatically when over 500 members of the Broadway community signed an open letter condemning LuPone’s comments.
The letter accused her of:
- “Racialized disrespect”
- “Weaponizing her platform”
- Belittling Black artists in the industry
Signatories reportedly included several Tony Award winners and high-profile Broadway figures.
The letter framed the issue as larger than one feud — positioning it as part of ongoing conversations about equity and respect in theater.
Patti LuPone’s Public Apology
On June 1, 2025, LuPone issued a public apology.
In her statement, she described her comments as:
- “Flippant”
- “Emotional”
- “Demeaning”
She acknowledged that her responses had caused harm and expressed regret for her tone and language.
2025 Tony Awards Absence
Amid growing calls for her to be disinvited, Patti LuPone did not attend the 2025 Tony Awards on June 8.
While it was not officially confirmed whether she was formally disinvited or chose not to attend, her absence underscored the magnitude of the controversy.
A Legacy of High-Profile Feuds
The New Yorker profile also revisited LuPone’s history of public disputes, including:
Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Long-running tension stemming from Sunset Boulevard
- Her famous “Andrew Lloyd Webber Memorial Pool,” reportedly built using part of her settlement money
Madonna
- Previously referred to Madonna as a “movie killer” regarding the film adaptation of Evita
These past feuds reinforced LuPone’s reputation as outspoken and unapologetically candid — a trait that has both defined and complicated her legacy.
Why the Controversy Matters
The 2025 Patti LuPone controversy was not just about personal disagreements. Instead, it became part of a broader discussion about:
- Race and representation in Broadway
- Accountability for influential artists
- Generational divides within theater culture
- The responsibility that comes with a public platform
For many, it signaled a turning point in how the industry addresses internal conflicts publicly.
Patti LuPone Controversy Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Sound dispute involving Hell’s Kitchen |
| Late May 2025 | New Yorker profile published |
| Late May 2025 | Broadway backlash begins |
| June 1, 2025 | LuPone issues public apology |
| June 8, 2025 | LuPone absent from Tony Awards |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did Patti LuPone say about Kecia Lewis?
In a 2025 interview, LuPone used a derogatory term to describe Lewis and questioned her status as a Broadway veteran.
Why was Patti LuPone accused of racial microaggressions?
The accusations stemmed from both her earlier dispute about Hell’s Kitchen and her comments in the interview, which some interpreted as dismissive and racially insensitive.
What was the Broadway open letter about?
Over 500 Broadway professionals signed a letter condemning LuPone’s remarks, accusing her of racialized disrespect and misusing her influence.
Did Patti LuPone apologize?
Yes. On June 1, 2025, she publicly apologized, calling her comments flippant, emotional, and demeaning.
Did Patti LuPone attend the 2025 Tony Awards?
No, she did not attend the ceremony on June 8, 2025.
What is the feud between Patti LuPone and Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Their long-standing tension dates back to Sunset Boulevard. LuPone famously joked about building an “Andrew Lloyd Webber Memorial Pool” with her settlement money.
Has Patti LuPone had other public feuds?
Yes. She has also publicly criticized Madonna’s performance in the film adaptation of Evita.
Is Patti LuPone still active on Broadway?
Despite controversies, LuPone remains one of Broadway’s most recognized and decorated performers.
Conclusion
The Patti LuPone controversy of 2025 became one of Broadway’s most talked-about moments in recent history. What began as interview remarks evolved into a larger cultural reckoning within the theater community.
While LuPone issued an apology, the debate surrounding accountability, race, and respect in the arts continues — reminding audiences that even legends are not immune to scrutiny.