Patti LuPone Skips 2025 Tony Awards After Apologizing for Controversial Comments

Patti LuPone was nowhere to be seen at this year’s Tony Awards, held at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on June 8. Her absence came after a wave of backlash sparked by her comments in a recent New Yorker profile, where she criticized several fellow Broadway stars. While she wasn’t nominated this year for her role in The Roommate, her absence still stood out—especially with the controversy still fresh in the theater community.

The Backlash That Rocked Broadway

In the New Yorker interview, LuPone made harsh remarks about multiple Broadway veterans, including Kecia Lewis, Audra McDonald, Glenn Close, and her ex-partner Kevin Kline. One comment in particular didn’t sit well with many: she took a swipe at Lewis, who had previously responded to LuPone’s complaints about the volume in Hell’s Kitchen.

Her words sparked outrage. Over 500 members of the Broadway community signed an open letter asking the American Theatre Wing and Broadway League to disinvite her from the Tonys. The letter emphasized the need for respect and accountability within the community.

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Stars Respond on the Red Carpet

Plenty of stars were asked about LuPone’s interview during red carpet interviews ahead of the ceremony. James Monroe Iglehart, nominated for his role in A Wonderful World, spoke carefully but clearly. He reminded everyone that the industry has changed and there are consequences for how people behave publicly. “Let’s just treat everybody with respect,” he added.

Renée Elise Goldsberry, who hosted the Tony pre-show, took a more optimistic view. She acknowledged how the public enjoys drama but said if the women involved—LuPone, McDonald, and Lewis—were in a room together, she believes there would be love, not tension. She even joked, “If it sells a ticket, let the games continue!”

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Mia Farrow Stands By LuPone

While LuPone didn’t show up, her Roommate co-star Mia Farrow did attend the awards, accompanied by her son Ronan. Farrow was nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Play and made it clear she had nothing but love for LuPone.

In a recent interview, Farrow said their friendship remained strong through the production and even deepened. “Patti and I never had a negative moment,” she shared. “Working together didn’t change our friendship. I think our friendship is deeper now.”

Her remarks painted a different picture from the one circulating in headlines—one that focused more on loyalty, trust, and understanding behind the scenes.

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LuPone Issues a Rare Public Apology

Following the backlash, Patti LuPone released a statement that surprised many. Known for being outspoken and unapologetic throughout her career, she took a step back and acknowledged the harm her words caused.

“For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today,” she began. She called her comments about Kecia Lewis “demeaning and disrespectful,” and said she was “devastated” that her behavior had offended others.

LuPone also said she hoped to apologize personally to both Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis and expressed full agreement with the open letter’s message. She ended her statement with a note about what theater is supposed to represent—a place that lifts people up and welcomes those who feel out of place.

“I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right,” she said.

A Complicated Legacy

Patti LuPone’s absence from the Tonys didn’t go unnoticed, but neither did her attempt to make amends. While her career has always been marked by fierce honesty and unmatched talent, this moment served as a turning point.

It’s clear she understands the impact of her words, and her apology suggests a shift in how she wants to move forward. For many, that matters just as much as the drama that caused the headlines in the first place.