After 500 theater artists drawing letter to insisting on ‘responsibility’, Patti Lupone apologizes at Audra McDonald, Kecia Lewis

Hundreds of theater artists have signed an open letter that calls for “accountability” by Patti Lupone about her comments made to colleague Broadway stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald.

The letter signed by more than 500 members of the Global Theater Community was determined by Theater for Change. Shared with Termdocumentationt A “collective call-in” while arguing for justice.

The letter recalled Lupone’s interview with The New Yorker, where she referred a ‘b ***’ to Lewis. Previously covered Black undertaking“ Lupone also regarded McDonald as’ not a friend ‘, while he undermined the career of Lewis’ Broadway.

The letter considered the comments as a “flagrant act of racialized lack of respect.” The writers also emphasized how it contributes to micro aggressions against black actors in the theater industry.

“Recently, Patti Lupone made deeply inappropriate and unacceptable public comments about two from Broadway’s most respected and beloved artists: Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald,” the letter described. ‘In a published interview with The New Yorker, she referred to Kecia Lewis-a black woman and a 40-year-old veteran of the American stage-as a’ b *** ‘. This language is not only humiliating and misogynistic – it is a blatant act of racialized lack of respect. “

The letter showed how Lupone’s words actively worked against the values ​​that are confirmed within the theater community. Especially in view of the Broadway legacies of Lewis and McDonald, the letter called a serious lack of respect for women as Black Stage actors.

It added: “To attack a woman publicly who has contributed to this art form with so much excellence, leadership and grace – and to discredit the legacy of Audra McDonald, the most nominated and assigned performer in Tony Award History – is not only a personal crime of the Waanders van de Waarden’s respect. demands that we persuade. ”

The letter not only confirmed Lewis and McDonald, but also all black actors who were confronted with a lack of respect that remained uncontrolled. It also called on leaders of the theater industry so as not to let the Lupone actions and others skate. Instead, they insisted on them to rid their participation in remarkable events until a legitimate accountability is paid.

However, this accountability is not equal to “canceling”. The letter hopes to promote fairness and justice within the community and to protect everyone who defeats its phases.

“This is not about” canceling “someone or condemning them – it is about care. Care for our artists, our values ​​and the future of our shared vessel. We write because we want this community to thrive – not only in cash register numbers or criticism, but in integrity, safety and mutual respect. We provide a theater industry where all artists – including black women” “, and forth, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and and” “, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and” “,” and “” “, and and black, and, and” “”, “and Black women.” “” ”

In the light of the letter, Lupone made a public apology for her words. She not only called her response ‘humiliating and disrespectful’, but also ‘flippant and emotional’. She also stated that she “heartily” agreed with the statement in the open letter.

“I regret my flapping and emotional reactions during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has insulted others and is contrary to what we are dear to this community,” Lupone wrote to Instagram. “I hope to get the chance to talk to Audra [McDonald] and Kecia [Lewis] Personally to apologize. “

Related content: Patti Lupone says that Audra McDonald is ‘not a friend’ and her recent Tony nomination snubs