Broadway Star Audra McDonald Warns Fans After Fan Follows Her Home

Broadway star Audra McDonald shared a disturbing incident where a fan crossed personal boundaries by following her from the theater all the way to her residence, even entering the building and remaining uncomfortably close. McDonald, who was starring in the Broadway revival of "Gypsy," emphasized the importance of respecting performers' boundaries, explaining that her avoidance of stage door interactions is to protect her health, conserve energy, and maintain safety. When security intervened, the fan justified their behavior by stating they had traveled a long distance and felt entitled to an autograph, a notion McDonald strongly condemned as a violation of her safety. She urged fans to understand that if an actor does not stop at the stage door, it is for personal reasons and not a reflection on the fans themselves. Fellow performers, including Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis, supported McDonald's message, highlighting the exhaustion and commitment performers invest in their craft. Despite the unsettling event, McDonald concluded her run in "Gypsy" on a positive note, marking a historic milestone as the first Black actress to play Mama Rose on Broadway.