In an Instagram post, LuPone expressed regret for her demeaning and disrespectful language, particularly towards Lewis. She acknowledged that her emotional responses during the interview were inappropriate and contrary to the community values she holds dear.

The theater veteran admitted her mistakes and extended her heartfelt apologies, expressing a desire to personally apologize to both McDonald and Lewis. LuPone emphasized her commitment to rectifying the situation and upholding the supportive nature of the theater community.

The controversy began when LuPone allegedly referred to Lewis as a "bitch" and commented on a supposed feud with McDonald. These remarks sparked a backlash within the Broadway community, leading over 500 performers and artists to sign an open letter urging the Tony Awards to disinvite LuPone. This letter criticized LuPone's actions as degrading, misogynistic, and racially disrespectful.

The New Yorker article detailed the issues originating from LuPone's time performing in "The Roommate" at the Booth Theatre. Problems arose due to noise from the Shubert Theatre's adjacent production of "Hell's Kitchen," in which Lewis starred. After expressing her concerns, LuPone's actions were later labeled as bullying and racially microaggressive by Lewis. Audra McDonald, who has won six Tony Awards, supported Lewis by liking her social media post.

Despite addressing the criticism, LuPone's remarks have led to significant criticism from her peers. James Monroe Iglehart, J. Harrison Ghee, and Maleah Joi Moon were among the notable performers who signed the letter condemning her behavior. In a CBS Sunday Morning interview, McDonald expressed confusion over LuPone's claim of a feud, noting that they had not interacted in over a decade.

LuPone's storied Broadway career includes notable performances in "Evita," "War Paint," "Sweeney Todd," and "Company." However, she is also known for her outspoken nature and previous feuds, including conflicts with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Close and critical comments about Madonna's role in the film adaptation of "Evita."

In her Instagram post, LuPone emphasized the importance of the theater community's values of support and inclusivity, pledging to do better and ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.