Patti LuPone Called Out for ‘Bullying’ Remarks by Hell’s Kitchen Star Kecia Lewis After Dubbing Broadway Musical ‘Too Loud’

Hell’s kitchen star Kecia Lewis is speaking out after Broadway co-star Patti LuPone went viral online for calling the musical “too loud.”

On Saturday, Nov. 2, Lewis, 59, shared a lengthy video on her Instagram account directed at LuPone, 75, asking her to apologize for comments she made to a fan in a since-deleted video (viewed by PEOPLE ) around Hell’s kitchenbeeps are too loud. In her open letter, Lewis called Lupone’s comments “offensive,” “racially microaggressive,” “crass” and “rooted in privilege.”

LuPone has yet to publicly respond to the letter. Advocates for the actress and for roommate he had no comment when contacted by PEOPLE.

“Miss LuPone, I want to make sure you know that this letter is mine, not the cast or crew or producers Hell’s kitchen. I speak only for Kecie Lewis,” Lewis began her letter.

The Tony winner then stated that LuPone contacted the owner of the Shubert Theater, where she is Hell’s kitchen play on Broadway and asked the production to change several of its sound cues “because you found them too loud.”

LuPone is currently acting roommate, who plays in the immediate vicinity Hell’s kitchen at the Booth Theatre.

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“You also, after our sound design was adjusted, sent flowers to our sound and stage management team thanking them,” Lewis continued. “Another thing I know is that you rejected the public signing of fans Hell’s kitchen Playroom because — ‘I do not sign a Hell’s kitchenthey are too loud.’ ”

“I wanted to address this because these, Ms. LuPone, these actions in my opinion are bullying,” Lewis continued. “They are abusive. They are racially microaggressive. They are rude. They are rooted in privilege and these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone like you who has been in the business as long as you have.”

Lewis then went on to define microaggressions in her own words, calling them “subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, prejudices, or negative assumptions about someone based on their race.”

“Microaggressions may seem harmless or minor, but they can accumulate and cause significant stress or discomfort for the recipient. Examples include calling a black show ‘loud’ in a dismissive way,” she continued.

Hell’s Kitchen, written by Alicia Keys, has a majority black cast and tells a story inspired by Keys’ childhood growing up in New York.

Kecia Lewis attends the Broadway premiere of “Hell’s Kitchen” in April 2024.

Jason Mendez/Getty

“In our industry, language has power and shapes perception, often in ways we may not immediately realize. Referring to a predominantly black Broadway show as ‘loud’ can inadvertently reinforce harmful stereotypes, while also being dismissive of the art and voices celebrated on stage.” , Lewis said.

“Comments like these can be seen as racial microaggressions, which have a real impact on artists and audiences,” she continued. “While gestures like sending thank you flowers may seem kind, they were disrespectful and inappropriate, especially after your official complaint that resulted in changes affecting our entire production.”

The actress also said that she considers LuPone’s actions to be bullying because “bullying in a professional setting can include influencing and interfering with the use of one’s status or connections to cause unnecessary changes in another’s work environment, such as requesting sound adjustments.”

“Sending thank-you flowers after a production has been affected can come across as disingenuous, especially if it sidesteps meaningful dialogue or resolution,” Lewis said. “If your actions come across as subversive or trying to assert control over your neighbor’s production, rather than respectful cooperation, it can certainly be seen as a shift into bullying behavior, even if it’s unintentional. Recognizing and addressing this will help create more respectful and supportive communities. ”

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Patti LuPone (left) and Mia Farrow in “The Roommate.”

Julieta Cervantes

Lewis ended her video with her own thoughts on what the theater industry could learn from situations like this, saying Agatha all alone star that she and other performers can ask themselves questions like, “How can I make sure that my feedback or my concerns are communicated in a way that is constructive and, most importantly, respectful? How can I use my platform and experience to support different teams shows that promote the idea that each production brings unique value to Broadway?”

“On Broadway, we’re not just neighbors, Ms. LuPone. We’re a community that shares each other’s craft and challenges. Respect and collaboration are what keep us thriving and inspire the next generation. It’s important that we support each other’s hard work on and off the stage ” Lewis partially finished. “Ms. LuPone, I respectfully submit that you owe us an apology, not flowers.”

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Many prominent Black Broadway actors, including Audra McDonald, the star of the upcoming Gypsy production, came forward to express their support.

Beneath Lewis’ Instagram post, McDonald, 54, simply commented with a series of emojis, writing: “❤️❤️👏🏾👏🏾.”

Fellow Broadway actresses LaChanze and Angela Robinson also chimed in, writing, “Well said my friend” and “Most eloquent letter. Greatly said Kecia. Thank you for your commitment.”

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Source: HIS Education