Broadway performer Patti LuPone says she is furious after Turkey bars an LGBTQ+ cruise ship from docking at Turkish ports. LuPone posts that the ship, operated by Virgin Voyages and identified in reports as the Scarlet Lady, is turned away by Turkish authorities along with about 2,000 mostly LGBTQ+ passengers. The ban prevents the vessel from making port calls in Turkey, according to the outlets describing the incident.
In her statements, LuPone expresses anger at the decision, while indicating she is still able to proceed with plans to perform. Multiple reports frame her reaction as a public response to the restriction affecting American travelers who are traveling as part of an LGBTQ+ cruise. The coverage emphasizes that the issue involves Turkey’s action toward the ship and the resulting impact on passengers, rather than any specific incident aboard the vessel.
The reporting also notes that LuPone’s comments are shared via social media, where she declares she is ready to perform despite the itinerary disruption.
