Six the Musical Defends Dylan Mulvaney Amid Casting Backlash

Producers of Six the Musical have publicly condemned bullying directed at Dylan Mulvaney following her casting announcement for the role of Anne Boleyn. The announcement was made on January 16, 2024, revealing that Mulvaney would portray the second wife of Henry VIII in the Broadway production at the Lena Horne Theatre in New York.

Alongside Mulvaney, Abigail Barlow will join the cast as Katherine Howard, while Adrianna Hicks, Anna Uzele, and Olivia Donalson return to their roles as Catherine of Aragon, Catherine Parr, and Anne of Cleves, respectively. The casting for Jane Seymour remains unannounced.

Following the announcement, the joyous news was overshadowed by significant backlash on social media. Negative comments targeted both the producers and Mulvaney, prompting the producers to issue a statement addressing the issue. They highlighted a “temporary limit” on the Broadway production’s social media account due to the “bullying” comments. As of now, the account remains private, while comments on the announcement post for Mulvaney’s casting have been disabled, although other casting announcements remain open for discussion.

In their statement, the producers emphasized, “The protection, safety, and support of the Six cast has always been, and remains, our highest priority. While we welcome passionate engagement with the show, aggressive, threatening, or abusive behavior is never acceptable.”

Mulvaney, a prominent actress and influencer, responded defiantly to the backlash in a TikTok video. “Being a trans person in 2024, when this world is working against us in what feels like every way… for me to be able to step out onto a Broadway stage as Anne Boleyn and perform an iconic historical character’s role in a show that is so rooted in celebrating femininity, I think that’s a miracle,” she stated.

She also delivered an uplifting message to her followers, sharing encouragement for the trans community: “I just want you to know that you can literally do anything. But do not let anyone take away what brings you joy, and you might have to fight really hard for it, or go around the long way, but it is so worth it. And it might not feel like it, but there are so many people cheering you on, and I am one of them.”

The show is set to welcome Mulvaney on February 16, 2024. As the discussions surrounding her casting continue, the producers of Six remain committed to fostering a respectful and supportive environment for all involved.