Winfrey appeared to address the simmering beef as she presented the Best Actress in a Musical award. LuPone wasn’t there (it’s unclear whether she ever intended to go, People reported) but she probably got the message.
“This astounding year in live theater turns to the women whose work sparked lively conversations among theater fans,” Winfrey said while giving a few knowing glances.
When the laughter and applause subsided, she declared, “A lot o’ talkin’ goin’ on.”
The three-time Tony winner took umbrage at actor Kecia Lewis’ accusation she was being “racially microaggressive.” LuPone, headlining a neighboring show, had complained about the sound volume of a production that Lewis starred in last year.
LuPone called her “bitch” in the New Yorker. She also took aim at six-time Grammy winner Audra McDonald, who was nominated but did not win on Sunday, for supporting Lewis’ remarks. LuPone said it was “typical” of McDonald and that she “was not a friend.”
LuPone later apologized, but Oprah wasn’t about to let the matter go apparently.
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