:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/patti-lupone-060825-b103b5aaf2c042f4bebd58af5ed2e29f.jpg)
Patti LuPone's controversial comments about Audra McDonald, Kecia Lewis, and other Broadway stars have led to her absence from the 2025 Tony Awards. The 76-year-old actress' recent interview with The New Yorker sparked outrage among the theater community, prompting over 500 artists to sign an open letter calling for her disinvitation.
LuPone apologized for her comments, saying she was "deeply sorry" and "devastated" that her behavior had offended others. She expressed regret for her "flippant and emotional responses" and hoped to speak with McDonald and Lewis personally to offer her sincere apologies.
Several stars weighed in on LuPone's controversy while hitting the Tony Awards red carpet. Iglehart, nominated for best performance by a leading actor in a musical for his role in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, told Variety that there are consequences for one's actions, and it's time to treat everyone with respect.
Former Hamilton star Renée Elise Goldsberry, who hosted the Tony pre-show, told Variety that she feels people get excited about discord, but if LuPone and McDonald were to reunite, "there would just be love in there."
Mia Farrow, 80, who recently starred alongside LuPone in The Roommate and is nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, did attend the ceremony with son Ronan, 37. Farrow said she enjoyed working with the "goddess of Broadway" and that starring together in a Broadway production did not put a strain on her friendship with LuPone.
Despite LuPone's absence, the 2025 Tony Awards ceremony went on to celebrate the best of Broadway, with stars dressing to impress on the red carpet and winners announced live.
Stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.