Patti LuPone Called Out for ‘Bullying’ Remarks byHell’s KitchenStar Kecia Lewis After Dubbing Broadway Musical ‘Too Loud’

Mar. 15, 2025

Patti LuPone (left) and Kecia Lewis.Photo:Getty(2)

Getty(2)

Hell’s Kitchenstar Kecia Lewis is speaking out after fellow Broadway starPatti LuPonewent viral online for calling the musical “too loud.”

“Miss LuPone, I want to make sure that you know that this letter is from me, not from the cast or crew or producers ofHell’s Kitchen. I am speaking for Kecia Lewis only,” Lewis began her letter.

The Tony winner then alleged that LuPone contacted the owner of the Shubert Theatre, whereHell’s Kitchenplays on Broadway, and asked the production to change several of its sound cues “because you found them to be too loud.”

LuPone is currently starring inThe Roommate,which is playing directly next door toHell’s Kitchenat the Booth Theatre.

“You also, after our sound design was adjusted, sent flowers to our sound and stage management team thanking them,” Lewis continued. “Another thing that I’m aware of is that you dismissed publicly signing a fan’sHell’s KitchenPlaybillbecause — ‘I’m not signing aHell’s Kitchen, they’re too loud.’ "

“I wanted to address this because this, Ms. LuPone, these actions in my opinion are bullying,” Lewis continued. “They’re offensive. They are racially microaggressive. They’re rude. They’re rooted in privilege and these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone as yourself who has been in the business as long as you have.”

“Microaggressions can seem harmless or minor but can accumulate and cause significant stress or discomfort for the recipient. Examples include calling a Black show ‘loud’ in a way that dismisses it,” she continued.

Kecia Lewis attends the opening night of “Hell’s Kitchen” on Broadway in April 2024.Jason Mendez/Getty

Jason Mendez/Getty

“In our industry, language holds power and shapes perception, often in ways that we may not immediately realize. Referring to predominantly Black Broadway show as ‘loud’ can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes and it also feels dismissive of the artistry and the voices that are being celebrated on stage,” Lewis said.

“Comments like these can be seen as racial microaggressions, which have a real impact on artists and audiences,” she continued. “While gestures like sending thank you flowers may appear courteous, it was dismissive and out of touch, especially following a formal complaint that you made that resulted in the changes that impacted our entire production.”

The actress also said that she considers LuPone’s actions to be bullying because “bullying in a professional setting can include exerting influence to disrupt using one’s status or connections to cause unnecessary changes to someone else’s work environment, such as requesting sound adjustments.”

Patti LuPone (left) and Mia Farrow in “The Roommate.".Julieta Cervantes

Julieta Cervantes

Lewis ended her video with her own thoughts on what the theater industry could learn in situations such as these, telling theAgatha All Alonestar that she and other performers can ask themselves questions like: “How can I ensure that my feedback or my concerns are communicated in a way that is constructive and also, most importantly, respectful? How can I use my platform and experience to support diverse show teams promoting the idea that every production brings unique value to Broadway?”

“On Broadway, we are not just neighbors, Ms. LuPone. We are a community that shares in each other’s artistry and challenges. Respect and collaboration are what keep us thriving and inspire the next generation. It’s important that we support each other’s hard work on and off the stage,” Lewis finished in part. “Ms. LuPone, I respectfully submit to you that you owe us an apology, not flowers.”

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Many prominent Black Broadway actors, includingAudra McDonald, the star of the upcomingGypsyproduction, have spoken out to voice their support.

Underneath Lewis' Instagram post, McDonald, 54, simply commented with a series of emojis, writing: “❤️❤️👏🏾👏🏾.”

Fellow Broadway actresses LaChanze and Angela Robinson also chimed in, writing respectively: “Well said my friend” and “The most eloquent letter. Wonderfully stated Kecia. Thank you for your advocacy.”

source: people.com