A current interview with Patti LuPone in The New Yorker precipitated a stir within the Broadway world. Reacting to accusations of racial microaggressions, she mentioned her fellow actor Audra McDonald is “not a pal” amongst different feedback. Now an open letter signed by business stars requires LuPone to be reprimanded.
Tony winners James Monroe Iglehart, Maleah Joi Moon, and Wendell Pierce signed the letter, in addition to rock icon (and one-time off-Broadway performer) Courtney Love. It calls LuPone’s feedback “degrading and misogynistic — it’s a blatant act of racialized disrespect. It constitutes bullying. It constitutes harassment. It’s emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that individuals on this business have endured for a lot too lengthy, too typically with out consequence.” It requires LuPone to be disinvited from business occasions, such because the Tonys. It additionally calls for “clear, clear insurance policies for addressing dangerous habits.”
The drama started when LuPone complained in regards to the noise of the Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen taking part in subsequent door whereas she was performing in The Roommate with Mia Farrow. Kecia Lewis, who carried out in Hell’s Kitchen, posted a video to Instagram saying LuPone’s actions had been “bullying, they’re offensive, they’re racially microaggressive, they’re impolite, they’re rooted in privilege.” McDonald agreed within the feedback.
In her New Yorker profile, LuPone additionally argued with Lewis’ characterization of her as “a fellow theater veteran.” LuPone reacted, “She calls herself a veteran? Let’s learn the way many Broadway exhibits Kecia Lewis has completed. She’s completed seven. I’ve completed 31. Don’t name your self a vet, bitch.” (The journal identified that the numbers are literally 10 and 28, respectively).
See the complete letter right here.
