NEW YORK — Patti LuPone is facing backlash for remarks made in a recent profile, prompting her to issue a public apology on social media. The Broadway star expressed regret for comments she made about fellow performers Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis, which sparked intense discussion within the theater community.

In her Instagram post, LuPone acknowledged her past practice of speaking openly but stated that she felt compelled to apologize for her choice of words during the interview. “I am deeply sorry for the words I used, particularly regarding Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful,” she wrote. LuPone emphasized her desire to personally apologize to both McDonald and Lewis, stating her behaviors contradicted the values cherished in the theater community.

Her apology follows the release of an open letter signed by over 500 Broadway figures criticizing her remarks. This letter highlighted a collective concern over LuPone’s tendencies to dismiss or trivialize issues of disrespectful behavior, especially among influential individuals in the industry. Signatories included notable artists like Tony winners Wendell Pierce, James Monroe Iglehart, and Courtney Love.

The controversy traces back to a noise complaint issued by LuPone while she was performing in a different production, which Lewis labeled as “bullying” and “racially microaggressive.” The tensions escalated further, as LuPone challenged Lewis’s status as a veteran performer, leading to a heated exchange in the media.

In the same interview, LuPone commented about McDonald, stating that they were not friends due to a past rift. McDonald later expressed surprise regarding LuPone’s comments when she appeared on a morning talk show, noting that she hadn’t seen LuPone in over a decade. “If there’s a rift between us, I don’t know what it is,” McDonald remarked, indicating that personal differences may not be as significant as LuPone suggested.

LuPone admitted her remarks lacked the necessary thoughtfulness and care, emphasizing the importance of community in the theater world. “Theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don’t belong anywhere else,” she stated. Her commitment to accountability reflects the broader conversation around the responsibilities of influential figures within the arts.

As the theater community processes LuPone’s remarks and her subsequent apology, the incident highlights ongoing challenges in fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. The fallout continues to remind artists of the impact of their words, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in their interactions.