Audra McDonald Denies Rift, Unaware of Patti LuPone Comments

Audra McDonald responded to Patti LuPone's recent remark in The New Yorker that they are "not friends" by expressing confusion over any supposed rift, stating she hasn't seen LuPone in about 11 years and suggesting that any issues would need to be clarified by LuPone herself. McDonald, who is currently Tony-nominated for her role in "Gypsy," took a gracious and composed stance, refusing to engage in public drama despite LuPone's apparent disdain and silence regarding McDonald's current production. The two have a shared history of performing together in productions like the 2000 New York Philharmonic’s concert of "Sweeney Todd" and the 2007 LA Opera’s "Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny," but their relationship has been strained for years, with LuPone referencing an unspecified incident as the root of their fallout. The tension also surfaced amid a controversy involving fellow Tony winner Kecia Lewis, who accused LuPone of racial microaggressions related to a noise complaint, a situation in which McDonald showed public support for Lewis. Despite the public attention and various Broadway actors weighing in on the matter, McDonald maintained a dignified silence about the feud, emphasizing her focus on her career and life. Their longstanding but now distant relationship highlights the complexities and sensitivities within the Broadway community.