Broadway performer Patti LuPone says an LGBT-themed cruise on which she is scheduled to perform is blocked from entering Egypt, after being turned away by Turkey. LuPone posted on July 2 that the cruise was denied entry by Turkey, and subsequent reports indicate the ship also does not receive access to Egyptian waters. The statements are framed around the cruise’s audience and entertainment plans, with LuPone describing it as an LGBT-focused itinerary and linking the denials to the countries’ actions toward such events.
The two countries involved are Muslim-majority and have taken steps that LuPone characterizes as restricting LGBT-related travel. The incident is reported as a repeat occurrence, suggesting the cruise is facing continued barriers to docking despite the scheduled on-board performances. Neither outlet provides additional official statements from Turkish or Egyptian authorities in the excerpts provided. The reporting centers on LuPone’s account and her public comments about the denials.
