What did Patti LuPone say about Hell's Kitchen? Kecia Lewis calls out Broadway legend over 'racially microaggressive' remarks

Actress Kecia Lewis called out Broadway peer Patti LuPone over her remarks about Hell’s Kitchen. In an Instagram video shared on Sunday, November 3, 2024, Lewis criticized LuPone's actions and requested an apology. She captioned the post:

"An open letter to Ms. Patti Lupone #Broadwaycommunity #Supporteachother #Communitymatters #BlacksonBroadway #respectfuldialogue."

In her five-minute video, Lewis began by stating that she was speaking for herself and the cast, crew, or producers of her show. She listed incidents that took place over the last few weeks between LuPone and the show. This included LuPone contacting the theater owner of Hell's Kitchen and asking them to change "sound cues" as she found them "too loud."

She also spoke about a video circulating on social media of an interaction between a fan and Patti. In the clip, a fan asks the actress to sign her Hell's Kitchen playbill, which she refused, stating:

"I'm not signing a Hell's Kitchen... they're too loud."

LuPone is currently starring in the production, The Roommate, playing at the Shubert Theatre, which shares a wall with Booth Theatre, which plays Lewis' Hell's Kitchen.

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"We are not just neighbors... we’re a community,"- Kecia Lewis says Patti LuPone owes Hell's Kitchen an apology

In her video, Kecia Lewis described Patti LuPone's actions as "bullying," calling them "offensive" and "racially microaggressive." She continued to add:

"They're rude, rooted in privilege, and these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone as yourself who has been in the business as long as you have."

The actress continued to describe "microaggression" as "subtle, unintentional comments or actions" that "convey stereotypes, biases, or negative assumptions" about someone or something based on their/it's "race." She explained that while microaggression seems harmless or minor, it can cause "significant stress or discomfort for the recipient."

She noted that calling a black show "loud" in a way that it dismisses it is an example of microaggression. She elaborated:

"In our industry, language holds power and shapes perception, often in ways that we may not immediately realize. Referring to a predominantly Black Broadway show as loud can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes, and it also feels dismissive of the artistry and the voices that are being celebrated on stage."

Lewis, addressing the Agatha All Along actress, stated that "racial microaggressions" can impact the perceptions of both the artists and audiences.

Kecia Lewis recalled Patti LuPone sending flowers to Hell's Kitchen sound and stage manager, thanking them for changing the sound cues. Later in the clip, Lewis described the move as "dismissive and out of touch," despite seeming "courteous." She explained that her "formal complaint" impacted the "entire production," especially the actors who had to perform. She explained that the gesture "sidestep(ping) the meaningful dialogue needed" and "downplay(ed) the challenges" it caused the performers.

She asserted that collaboration meant "direct communication" and "respect for the work" that was being done. She is referring to the repercussions of the gesture. She explained that Patti LuPone's actions were "bullying" because she didn't consider the impact of her actions, adding that "performative gestures" like sending flowers were also the same.

"On Broadway, we are not just neighbors, Ms. LuPone, we’re a community that shares in each other’s artistry and challenges," Lewis continued.

She highlighted the need for respectful and constructive dialogue to "promote a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusion" in the Broadway community. Lewis added that she respectfully submits to LuPone that she owes Hell's Kitchen "an apology, not flowers."

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Patti LuPone has not publicly reacted to Kecia Lewis's letter.