“I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful,” LuPone wrote.
She can’t simply hit the marks as The Apologizer; she must also star as The Accountability Taker.
The call-out letter asks the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League to bar LuPone from the June 8 Tony Awards unless she actually makes some changes, an essential part of every apology.
“Participation, recognition, and attendance at high-profile events must be contingent on conduct that reflects community values,” the letter states.
“This includes completion of comprehensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs before re-entry into public-facing spaces.”
LuPone wrote, “I sincerely apologize for the demeaning and disrespectful words I used during my interview with The New Yorker, especially regarding Kecia Lewis.”. “I apologize for my inappropriate, impulsive, and emotional reactions during this interview. I am also heartbroken that my actions have offended people and gone against the values of this community. I sincerely hope I get the opportunity to apologize to Audra and Kecia in person. “.”.
In the open letter to her, LuPone also “wholeheartedly” concurs with “everything,” saying that “theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel like they don’t belong.”. After about four decades of failing to live up to those ideals, LuPone now admits she “made a mistake” and accepts “full responsibility for it.”. “”.
During her appearance on CBS Sunday Morning last week, McDonald claimed to have not seen LuPone in more than ten years and appeared perplexed as to why she had made fun of her in the first place. She said, “I’m not sure what the rift she’s referring to is.”. It would be necessary to ask her.
But it’s really up to LuPone to take charge. She must play the role of The Accountability Taker in addition to The Apologizer. Unless LuPone truly makes some changes, which is a necessary component of any apology, the call-out letter requests that the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing bar her from the June 8 Tony Awards. The letter says, “Conduct that reflects community values must be a requirement for participation, recognition, and attendance at high-profile events.”. Before reentering public settings, this involves completing extensive anti-bias or restorative justice programs. “”.
