Broadway has always been a stage for drama both on and off the boards, but few controversies have erupted as explosively—or as publicly—as the one involving Patti LuPone just days before the 2025 Tony Awards.
The legendary performer ignited a firestorm after a profile in The New Yorker featured her scathing remarks about fellow Broadway icons Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis, both of whom are celebrated Black actresses at the top of their game this season. LuPone's comments, which included calling Lewis a "b----" and dismissing McDonald as "not a friend," were widely condemned as not only misogynistic but also racially insensitive.
The timing could not have been worse for the Broadway community, which is gearing up for its biggest night of the year: The 2025 Tony Awards.
Within hours of the article's publication, outrage swept through the theater world. More than 600 actors, directors, and industry professionals signed an open letter addressed to the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, demanding accountability and calling for LuPone to be formally reprimanded. The letter described her language as "degrading," "demeaning," and emblematic of the microaggressions and abuse that marginalized artists have faced for far too long.
The controversy has not only overshadowed the excitement of the Tony Awards but has also forced a reckoning within the industry about race, privilege, and professional conduct. Many see this as a pivotal moment, with the open letter urging that participation in high-profile events like the Tonys should be contingent upon respectful behavior and, if necessary, restorative justice or anti-bias training. The incident has sparked intense debate: is this just another case of diva drama, or does it signal a deeper, long-overdue shift in Broadway culture-
Here are the 10 top scandals in the mecca of American theatre
1. "Hair" and the Fight for Artistic Freedom (1969–1971)
The groundbreaking musical "Hair" faced legal battles over its nudity and explicit content, reaching the U.S. Supreme Court twice between 1969 and 1971. Ultimately, the First Amendment protected the show's right to perform, setting a lasting precedent for artistic freedom on Broadway.
2. Patti LuPone vs. Andrew Lloyd Webber (1994)
After starring in the West End's "Sunset Boulevard" in 1993, Patti LuPone was promised the Broadway lead. However, in 1994, she was replaced by Glenn Close. LuPone sued for breach of contract and won $1 million, famously using the settlement to build a swimming pool she named after Webber.
3. The "Rebecca" Investor Fraud (2012)
In 2012, the musical "Rebecca" was derailed before reaching Broadway when it was revealed that a producer had fabricated four investors, defrauding the production out of tens of thousands of dollars. The scandal ended with the show losing its rights and its Broadway future.
4. "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark"—A Costly Disaster (2010–2014)
Running from 2010 to 2014, "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" became infamous as Broadway's most expensive musical, plagued by onstage accidents, actor injuries, and legal disputes. The production remains a byword for chaos behind the scenes.
5. The Abrupt Closing of "Beetlejuice" (2019–2020)
Despite strong ticket sales, "Beetlejuice" was forced to close at the Winter Garden Theatre in early 2020 to make way for "The Music Man" starring Hugh Jackman. The decision sparked outrage among fans and cast members, dominating Broadway headlines.
6. "Jagged Little Pill" and Non-Binary Representation (2020)
In 2020, the Broadway adaptation of Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" faced backlash for erasing references to a main character's non-binary identity. The controversy led to protests and a larger debate about gender representation on stage.
7. #CancelHamilton and the Slavery Debate (2020)
After "Hamilton" premiered on Disney+ in July 2020, critics accused the musical of glossing over the realities of slavery. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda acknowledged the criticism, fueling a broader conversation about historical accuracy and representation in theater.
8. The "Funny Girl" Casting Drama (2022)
In July 2022, Beanie Feldstein abruptly exited the revival of "Funny Girl," and Lea Michele was quickly cast in the lead. The shakeup fueled rumors of backstage drama and creative conflicts, making headlines throughout the theater world.
9. Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster's Secret Romance Goes Public (January 2025)
After months of speculation, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster confirmed their romantic relationship in January 2025. The two stars, who developed a close bond during "The Music Man," went public shortly after finalizing their respective divorces. The romance, and pointed remarks from Jackman's ex-wife about feeling "betrayed," made this one of the most talked-about Broadway stories of the year.
10. Patti LuPone's 2025 Controversy (May–June 2025)
Just days before the 2025 Tony Awards, Patti LuPone ignited outrage with comments widely condemned as racist and misogynistic toward Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald, published in The New Yorker on May 27, 2025. On May 30, over 500 Broadway professionals signed an open letter demanding accountability and calling for LuPone to be disinvited from the Tonys. LuPone issued a public apology on May 31, 2025, acknowledging the need for change.
Originally published on classicalite.com
