Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald Rift Deepens

Patti LuPone has confirmed a long-standing rift with Audra McDonald, stating that the two are not friends and declining to detail the origins of their estrangement. The feud escalated after McDonald showed public support for Kecia Lewis, who accused LuPone of 'bullying' and 'racially microaggressive' remarks regarding noise complaints during their respective Broadway shows. LuPone responded critically to both Lewis and McDonald, underscoring the lack of reconciliation. McDonald recently earned a record-breaking 11th Tony nomination for her role in 'Gypsy,' a role that previously won LuPone a Tony Award. The public disagreement has drawn attention due to the actresses' high profiles and history of collaboration. The situation has also ignited wider conversations in the theater community about privilege, race, and backstage conduct.