Patti Lupone has issued an apology after making what she now describes as “demeaning and disrespectful” comments about two fellow Broadway stars in an interview with the New Yorker last week.

After an open letter signed by over 500 artists called for LuPone's ban from the Tony Awards, the Sweeney Todd star says she is “devastated that my behavior has offended others.”

The Roommate' star said: "I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies."