Patti LuPone Declares Audra McDonald ‘Not a Friend’ Amid Broadway Feud
Here we stand in the center ring of another Broadway brouhaha. In a recent New York Post interview published April 12, theater icon Patti LuPone bluntly stated that Audra McDonald is “not a friend,” confirming whispers about the pair’s frosty backstage relationship. If there’s a more elegant way to disinvite someone from your VIP circle, Broadway legends haven’t found it. According to Page Six (via New York Post), LuPone’s remark came after reporters asked about an alleged cold shoulder at last season’s Tony Awards after-party.
Their last public interaction dates back to May 2022, when both stars attended Lincoln Center’s gala—only to exchange what eyewitnesses described as a “tense nod” rather than their usual warm embrace. Variety reports that since then, neither performer has returned calls or Instagram likes. Someone needs to tell these two that ghosting works best on dating apps, not on 70-year-old theater veterans. In her interview, LuPone added that she’s “never been one for forced smiles,” suggesting that authenticity trumps obligatory photo-ops—even if it means a headline-grabbing feud.
Industry insiders tell People Magazine that the tension began over a charity revival last year, when scheduling conflicts and creative differences allegedly sparked a rumor mill that LuPone says she’s “happy to fuel” with a one-liner. McDonald, known for her Grammy and Tony stashes, reportedly declined multiple backstage meet-ups, choosing radio silence over reconciliation. That’s right: the woman who can belt the unsingable tune is apparently mute when it comes to mending fences.
This dramatic disavowal follows months of subtle snubs: last December at the Drama Desk Awards, McDonald left LuPone off her thank-you list, while LuPone responded by removing McDonald from her Instagram story highlights. It’s all very Shakespearean, if Shakespeare had recorded every hissy fit on social media. According to Variety, neither camp has offered an olive branch, though sources say both remain professional on stage—because nothing says “I resent you” like sharing a spotlight without missing a cue.
Amid the headlines, Broadway fans are left wondering if this feud will escalate into legal paperwork or if someone will finally slip a note under McDonald’s dressing-room door saying, “We should talk.” Tune in next time for more backstage drama and theatrical tantrums that prove even Tony Award royalty can have off-night performances in the friendship department.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Variety, People Magazine
Attribution: Robert Millard (Creative Commons)
