Nicole Scherzinger, the former Pussycat Doll and X Factor judge who recently surprised the New York theater community by turning in one of the best-reviewed Broadway performances of the season, unleashed another revelation this week that isn’t being so well-received.
Scherzinger, considered a top Tony contender for her starring role in Sunset Blvd., set off a social media backlash after responding favorably to a post-Trump-victory Instagram post by Russell Brand, the comedian, Christian convert and subject of a London police investigation on sexual assault allegations.
The day after Tuesday’s election, Brand posted a photograph of himself wearing a MAGA-like red baseball cap inscribed with the words “Make Jesus First Again.”
“Where do I get this hat!!!?” Scherzinger replied on Brand’s IG page in a since-deleted comment.
Although the comment from Scherzinger – who plays Norma Desmond in the Jamie Lloyd-directed reimagining of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical – made no specific reference to Trump or MAGA, it has largely been interpreted as at least a tacit endorsement. She supported Barack Obama in 2008 and has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, though she has spoken out against abortion.
In a typical response this week, an X commenter known as The Broadway Slasher wrote, “Nicole Scherzinger’s career has been kept alive and afloat almost EXCLUSIVELY via the pockets of her LGBTQIA+ fans for the last 15 years when NOBODY ELSE wanted to see or hear her…This is a betrayal.”
“In recognition of the passing of Nicole Scherzinger’s Tony chances, the St. James theatre has announced they will be dimming their lights on November 7, 2024,” tweeted OnStage Blog.
Wrote another commenter, “Nicole Scherzinger really thought it was a great idea to come out as a Trump supporter? When she’s literally on the verge of a Tony nomination. Broadway is run by gay and trans people. After a flop attempt of a solo career, she finally found her niche and ruins it.”
Scherzinger has been mum since the controversy began, as have reps for Sunset Blvd., though Deadline hears that could change. We’ll update this post with any developments.
