Broadway star Patti LuPone has stirred controversy with her recent comments about the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In an interview with The New Yorker, the three-time Tony Award winner expressed her strong feelings about the center, saying it “should get blown up.” This remark comes in the wake of significant changes made at the Kennedy Center after President Trump took office.
LuPone, known for her iconic roles in productions like “Evita” and “Gypsy,” has been vocal about her disdain for Trump. Back in 2017, she made headlines on the Tony Awards red carpet when she declared that she would never perform for him, stating, “Because I hate the mother***er, how’s that?”
The Kennedy Center experienced a shake-up earlier this year when Trump replaced its board members, including the president and chairman, with his own appointees. Trump criticized the previous management for what he described as excessive spending and poor programming, claiming it featured “political propaganda” and inappropriate shows.
Ric Grenell, the new president of the Kennedy Center, has emphasized a shift towards more traditional programming, including a celebration of Christmas. He stated that the center aims to provide productions that resonate with a wider audience.
In response to LuPone’s remarks, Grenell condemned her comments, calling them unacceptable. He highlighted the irony of her words coming from someone who claims to support tolerance and diversity.
This exchange has sparked a broader discussion about the intersection of politics and the arts, particularly regarding how cultural institutions respond to political changes and public sentiment. As the Kennedy Center continues to navigate its new direction under Trump’s leadership, voices like LuPone’s will likely remain at the forefront of this ongoing debate.