Patti LuPone Doesn’t Attend 2025 Tony Awards After Apologizing for Harsh Comments About Fellow Broadway Stars

Patti LuPone was noticeably absent from the 2025 Tony Awards.

The 76-year-old Broadway legend recently faced criticism from the theater community over harsh comments made in a New Yorker profile about fellow Broadway stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald, as well as Glenn Close and ex Kevin Kline.

It is unclear whether LuPone originally planned to attend the ceremony, which was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, as she was not nominated for her recent production of The Roommate. A rep for LuPone did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Despite her absence, several stars weighed in on LuPone’s controversial interview — in which she disparaged Hell’s Kitchen star Lewis, who previously criticized LuPone for complaining that her musical was too loud — while hitting the Tonys red carpet.

James Monroe Iglehart, who is 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, “In show business, there is a professional way to behave and that’s how we’re going to be from here on out.”

“I know there were times in the ‘before times’ where folks could act crazy and say whatever they want. You can say whatever you want, but there will be consequences,” Iglehart said, possibly referencing an open letter signed by more than 500 artists, calling on the American Theatre Wing and Broadway League to disinvite LuPone from the Tony Awards. “Let’s just treat everybody with respect,” he added.

Former Hamilton star Goldsberry, told Variety that she feels “people get really excited about discord” and if LuPone and McDonald were to reunite, “there would just be love in there.”

“But when you’re talking about people as talented as Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald and Kecia [Lewis], I just, I love all of those women so much, and I know if they were all in a room together, there would just be love in there,” Goldsberry, who hosted the Tony pre-show, said. “What I think about it is, if it sells a ticket, let the games continue!”

Mia Farrow, 80, who recently starred alongside LuPone inThe Roomate and is nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, did attend the ceremony with son Ronan, 37.

In an interview with Deadline published June 3, 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.

“Patti and I never had a negative moment, by the way. Working together didn’t change our friendship. I think our friendship is deeper now,” said Farrow.

LuPone apologized for her comments after more than 500 members of the Broadway community signed an open letter reprimanding LuPone.

“For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today,” LuPone began her statement. “I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful.”

“I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community,” she continued. “I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies.”

“I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don’t belong anywhere else,” she concluded. “I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better.”