UPDATED: PATTI LuPONE FINALLY LISTENS TO HER TEAM — ISSUES APOLOGY AFTER BACKLASH
PLUS: TRAVIS KELCE STAYS OUT OF TAYLOR SWIFT’S BUSINESS — AND ARIANA GRANDE TRADES POP FOR OSCARS — “SHE’S NOT LOOKING BACK.”
EXCLUSIVE: PATTI LUPONE GOES INTO HIDING AS BROADWAY SHUTS HER OUT — “EVERYONE’S TOO SENSITIVE,” SHE CLAIMS.
#ShuterScoop can reveal that Broadway icon Patti LuPone has vanished from the spotlight, retreating behind closed doors as outrage over her now-infamous New Yorker interview continues to explode.
The controversy began when LuPone, 76, called veteran actress Kecia Lewis a “b***h” and dismissed Audra McDonald — six-time Tony winner and Broadway royalty — as “not a friend.” The remarks triggered a backlash so swift it could rival an overture.
Within days, over 500 members of the theater community signed an open letter condemning her comments as “degrading,” “misogynistic,” and a “blatant act of racialized disrespect.”
“Her team is begging her to issue a statement — anything to soften the blow,” the insider adds.
The fallout is real: invitations pulled, industry doors closing, and rumors swirling that both the Tony Awards and a major Broadway gala have quietly cut her from upcoming lineups.
“She thinks she’s untouchable because of her résumé,” one Broadway vet tells us. “But the theater community is over it.”
UPDATED: PATTI HAS FINALLY LISTENED TO HER TEAM AND FRIENDS AND APOLOGIZED.
"I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful. 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. I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies.
"I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was written in the open letter shared yesterday. From middle school drama clubs to professional stages, theatre has always been about lifting each other up and welcoming those who feel they don't belong anywhere else. I made a mistake, I take full responsibility for it, and I am committed to making this right. Our entire theatre community deserves better."
EXCLUSIVE: ONLYFANS VS. OLYMPICS — ATHLETES FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN PAYING BILLS OR CHASING MEDALS
Train like a pro, get paid like an intern — or strip online to survive?
That’s the new reality for Olympic hopefuls like British canoeist Kurts Adams Rozentals, who says he was banned over “edgy content” posted on his OnlyFans. But with a $21,000 annual stipend barely covering rent, Rozentals says he earned over $135,000 in five months through the platform — just to stay afloat.
“This isn’t about morals, it’s about money,” a source says. “Athletes are told to act like professionals, but paid like part-timers.”
And he’s not alone: Olympians like Jack Laugher and Robbie Manson have also turned to subscription sites to support their training, insisting they’re not ashamed.
“I’m making more showing skin than rowing,” Manson joked.
As the Games loom, the debate intensifies: Should athletes be punished for monetizing their own bodies when sports won’t pay them enough to survive?
Until the rules — and the budgets — catch up with reality, OnlyFans may be the only way to stay in the race.
#ShuterScoop
EXCLUSIVE: TRAVIS KELCE CHEERS FROM THE SIDELINES, BUT STAYS OUT OF TAYLOR SWIFT’S BUSINESS
She’s the CEO — he’s the cheerleader.
Taylor Swift made headlines this week for buying back her original masters, reclaiming control over her iconic music catalog. And while boyfriend Travis Kelce showed his support with a quick Instagram “like,” sources say he’s not involved in the business side.
“Travis is all in emotionally,” a source tells #ShuterScoop. “But when it comes to contracts and copyright law? That’s all Taylor.”
Swift thanked fans for supporting Taylor’s Version re-recordings, adding that their loyalty helped fund her ultimate goal: full ownership.
Meanwhile, Kelce is happy to be her hype man — just don’t expect him at a shareholder meeting.
#ShuterScoop
EXCLUSIVE: ARIANA GRANDE DUMPS MUSIC FOR MOVIES — AND SHE WON’T STOP UNTIL SHE’S HOLDING AN OSCAR
Ari wants the gold — and we don’t mean a Grammy.
Ariana Grande is officially pivoting to film, joining Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller in the next Meet the Parents sequel. Insiders say this marks the start of her serious “Oscar campaign,” with music firmly on pause.
“She’s going all in on acting,” says a source. “She’s not touring, not recording. She wants that statue.”
Ari will play a high-maintenance fiancée in the billion-dollar comedy franchise — a far cry from her ponytail pop princess image.
“She’s rebranding herself as an actress now,” the source adds. “She wants to be taken seriously.”
And based on the fan reaction? She’s well on her way.
#ShuterScoop