**Patti LuPone Apologizes for Remarks About Fellow Broadway Stars Amid Tony Award Controversy**

Broadway legend Patti LuPone, renowned for her candidness, has publicly apologized following backlash from her recent comments about fellow actors Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald. In an Instagram post shared on Saturday, LuPone acknowledged her past practice of speaking her mind without regret, but stated that she is changing her approach.

The apology comes just a week before the 2025 Tony Awards, after a letter signed by 500 Broadway performers criticized her remarks made in an interview with The New Yorker. The letter, addressed to the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League, called for LuPone, a three-time Tony winner, to be barred from attending the upcoming awards ceremony due to her disrespectful language towards Lewis and McDonald.

"Including Patti LuPone, individuals who utilize their platform to demean or disparage fellow artists, especially with racial or gendered language, should not be welcome at industry events," the letter stipulated.

The controversy centers on LuPone's experience performing in "The Roommate," which was staged adjacent to the musical "Hell's Kitchen," inspired by Alicia Keys' life. LuPone had complained to the theater owner about the noise levels emanating from "Hell's Kitchen." After adjustments were made, she sent flowers to the cast and crew. However, Kecia Lewis, who won a Tony for her role in "Hell's Kitchen", called LuPone's actions "bullying" and "racially microaggressive," insisting an apology rather than flowers was warranted.

During the New Yorker interview, LuPone referred to Lewis with a derogatory term and dismissed the notion of a friendship with Audra McDonald, who had "liked" Lewis's critical post on Instagram. McDonald, the actor with the most Tony wins, responded in an interview with Gayle King expressing her confusion over the supposed rift with LuPone, suggesting the latter should clarify her comments.

In a written apology, LuPone expressed her regret for her demeaning words, acknowledging that her responses were emotional and inappropriate. She said she hopes to apologize to Lewis and McDonald in person. Additionally, LuPone aligned herself with the sentiments expressed in the open letter from the Broadway community, stressing the importance of mutual support and acceptance in theater.

"I made a mistake and take full responsibility," LuPone stated. "I am committed to making this right, as our theatre community deserves better."