
Photo: Nathan Congleton / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Last week, Red mill! star Karen Olivo left the show in protest of abuse allegations against producer Scott Rudin earlier this month. The silence about Scott Rudin? Unacceptable, ”she said. ‘That’s the easy one, everyone. That’s a monster. Many, on the other hand, felt Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman, the stars of Rudin’s hot-ticket Broadway revival The music man, were disappointed in silence at allegations that Rudin harassed his subordinates physically and psychologically during his career. On Sunday, Foster finally addressed the allegations, described in an April 7 Hollywood Reporter story and Rudin’s decision to distance himself from his Broadway productions on Saturday. Said the Younger star on Rudin’s exit: “The only positive result is the result that happens.”
Foster weighed in on Sunday in an Instagram Live conversation with fellow stage performer Beth Nicely, according to Hollywood Reporter THR had previously reported that Foster had threatened to leave The music man if Rudin didn’t leave. “I am so honored to be a part of it The music man and I can’t wait to create an incredible, safe, inclusive, loving environment for everyone involved, and do everything I can to move forward, ”said the actress.
“I apologize if it seems like I wasn’t actively trumpeting my feelings, but I could feel the sound of – I wasn’t getting a clear mind, and I really had to step back,” explains Foster. “I’ve never dealt with anything like this, and I think 46 years on this earth deserves that. I’m mature enough to take my time, and I think people should allow it. I’m really excited to get back to Broadway, and may we just get on with the change and that’s all I’m going to say. I just really feel it’s an incredibly unfortunate situation, but the only positive result is the one that occurs. Foster added, “And I know Hugh feels exactly the same.”
In its announcement about moving away from its current productions, which were before closing To kill a mockingbird West Side Story, and The Book of Mormon, Rudin apologized for his alleged years and years of abusive behavior. The producer said, “Much has been written about my history of troubling interactions with colleagues, and I am deeply sorry for the pain my behavior has caused individuals, directly and indirectly.”