Recording artist Madonna Louise Ciccone, professionally known as Madonna, has come under renewed public scrutiny following critical remarks issued by Broadway actor Anthony Ramos regarding her conduct as an audience member during a performance of Hamilton.
Mr. Ramos, a principal member of the original 2015 Broadway cast, portrayed both John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, the latter of whom meets a tragic end in a pivotal duel scene known for eliciting strong emotional responses from live audiences.
Despite the scene’s profound dramatic impact, Mr. Ramos alleged that Ms. Ciccone’s behavior during the performance suggested a lack of engagement. He implied that the theatrical production, while deeply affecting to many theatergoers, failed to command Ms. Ciccone’s full attention.
These comments have reignited criticism of prior reports concerning Ms. Ciccone’s alleged use of a mobile phone during the performance, a matter that previously resulted in public rebuke from Hamilton creator and lead actor Lin-Manuel Miranda and others affiliated with the production.
During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live!, actor and singer Anthony Ramos, a member of the original 2015 Broadway cast of Hamilton, made specific allegations regarding the conduct of recording artist Madonna Louise Ciccone (professionally known as Madonna) while attending a performance of the musical.
In response to a question posed by host Andy Cohen—namely, “Who was the most terrifying celebrity to spot in the audience during your Hamilton days?”—Mr. Ramos stated unequivocally that Ms. Ciccone was the most disconcerting.
He alleged that “the most terrifying was Madonna with her iPad in her face,” further describing that she appeared to be fully engrossed in the device throughout the performance. Mr. Ramos physically demonstrated her posture, indicating that she was focused downward toward the tablet for the duration of the show.
This account aligns with prior criticisms of Ms. Ciccone’s reported audience behavior during theatrical performances and has contributed to continued public discourse regarding appropriate conduct by high-profile attendees in live theatre settings.
During his appearance on Watch What Happens Live!, Mr. Anthony Ramos, an original cast member of the Broadway production Hamilton, elaborated on his prior remarks concerning Madonna Louise Ciccone (professionally known as Madonna). In a tone that combined humor with criticism, Mr. Ramos stated: “I was like: ‘Damn, shorty,’ I’m like: ‘If you not enjoying it that much, you know the door’s right there. You ain’t gotta stay here.’”
Mr. Ramos is not the first member of the Hamilton cast to publicly address the alleged incident involving Ms. Ciccone, which garnered widespread media attention in 2015, the year the musical debuted on Broadway.
At the time, Mr. Lin-Manuel Miranda—the production’s creator, composer, lyricist, and original lead actor—published a now-deleted social media post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Tonight was the first time I asked stage management NOT to allow a celebrity (who was texting all through Act 2) backstage. #noselfieforyou.”
Although Mr. Miranda did not explicitly name Ms. Ciccone in the post, industry speculation quickly identified her as the individual referenced. The rumor gained such traction that Ms. Ciccone’s publicist issued a formal statement to Us Weekly, denying the allegations:
“It’s not true. She was invited backstage four different times.”
The spokesperson further clarified that any text messaging by Ms. Ciccone occurred only after the performance had concluded, during the theater’s fundraising segment. She added that Ms. Ciccone had already made a generous financial contribution to the cause.
Despite the denial, additional cast members have reinforced the original allegation. Mr. Jonathan Groff, who portrayed King George III in the production, publicly stated that Ms. Ciccone was not extended backstage privileges, remarking: “Because that b**** was on her phone.”
The incident remains one of the most publicly discussed examples of alleged celebrity misconduct in a live theatrical setting and has contributed to broader discussions regarding appropriate audience etiquette.#newsafro_
