Oprah Winfrey shades Patti LuPone over Broadway controversy at 2025 Tony Awards

Talk show legend Oprah shaded actress Patti LuPone at the 2025 Tony Awards following LuPone's controversial comments about her fellow Broadway stars

LuPone recently apologized to fellow performers Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis for her "demeaning" and "inappropriate" remarks, which sparked widespread backlash in the theater community.

The 76-year-old's comments, made in a recent interview with The New Yorker, prompted over 500 Broadway professionals to sign a letter condemning her words as "inappropriate and unacceptable" and accusing her of "racialized disrespect."

• Singer Finneas claimed to be tear-gassed at Los Angeles ICE protest
• Antiques Roadshow expert fights back tears as he's presented $180,000 treasure

Following the drama, Oprah hyped up the theater scene at the Tony Awards, but some couldn't help but feel as if she threw some major shade at LuPone over the beef.

Then, she shot the crowd a knowing look, adding: "Lotta talking going on!"

The crowd cracked up at the joke, and despite Oprah not naming names, everyone was pretty convinced it was a dig at LuPone, who did not attend the event.

In her interview with The New Yorker, LuPone referred to Lewis using a derogatory term and questioned her credentials as a theater veteran.

She also made dismissive comments about McDonald, stating she is "not a friend" and seemingly intentionally avoiding discussion of McDonald's appearance in the Broadway musical Gypsy.

In a statement shared on her social media accounts on May 31, LuPone said: "For as long as I have worked in the theater, I have spoken my mind and never apologized... That is changing today."

DON'T MISS:

Inside FireAid 20205's hottest moments--from Rod Stewart to Billie Eilish [LATEST]

'Global treasure' Joni Mitchell makes viwers 'sob' with FireAid performance [INSIGHT]

Joni Mitchell's savage outburst against Donald Trump during Hollywood concert [UPDATE]

LuPone continued: "I am deeply sorry for the words I used during the New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful."

In her statement, LuPone also expressed regret over her behavior during an interview, stating: "I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community."

She also expressed her desire to personally apologize to Audra and Kecia, saying: "I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies."

LuPone acknowledged the letter from the Broadway community accusing her of "bullying" and "harassment."

She stated: "I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theater has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don't belong anywhere else."

She admitted her mistake and committed to making things right, saying: "I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theater community deserves better."

The tension between LuPone and Lewis started last year when Lewis accused LuPone of "racial microaggressions."

Lewis recalled an incident where LuPone, working on a different production in a neighboring theater, allegedly complained about the loudness of their sound cues.

After the adjustments were made, LuPone reportedly sent flowers to their sound and stage management team as a thank you.

During an interview with The New Yorker, LuPone was asked about a video in which Lewis criticized her alleged behavior and McDonald posted supportive emojis.

"Exactly," responded LuPone. "And I thought, 'You should know better.' That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend."