The producers of the hit Broadway musical Six have issued a firm response to what they describe as online bullying, following significant backlash to the casting of transgender influencer and performer Dylan Mulvaney. The 29-year-old is scheduled to make her Broadway debut on 16 February 2026 in the popular show, which reimagines the six wives of King Henry VIII as a pop concert girl group.
Producers Take Action on Social Media
In response to a torrent of negative comments, the production team behind Six has temporarily restricted public access to the show's official X account. As of 21 January, the @sixbroadway profile has been set to private, with follower requests now requiring approval. This decisive move comes after Mulvaney's announcement earlier this month that she would be playing the historical role of Anne Boleyn, Henry's second wife, sparked considerable controversy online.
Statement Condemns Bullying Behaviour
A formal statement released by the show's producers addressed the situation directly. "The producers of Six have chosen to temporarily limit access to the Broadway production's X account following a number of comments made in response to recent Broadway casting news, which we felt crossed the line into bullying," the statement read. It continued, "While we welcome passionate engagement with the show, aggressive, threatening, or abusive behavior is never acceptable."
The producers emphasised their commitment to a positive environment, stating, "As a production, we unequivocally condemn bullying in all its forms and remain committed to fostering a respectful, supportive environment for everyone involved." They also expressed excitement about welcoming the new cast members to the stage.
Mulvaney Addresses the Criticism
Dylan Mulvaney, who previously appeared in the national tour of The Book of Mormon, has herself responded to the criticism surrounding her casting. In an Instagram video filmed during her first rehearsal for Six, she acknowledged that people were "questioning [her] abilities" to perform in the show.
Reflecting on the significance of her role, Mulvaney stated, "Being a trans person in 2026, 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 acknowledged her platform and privilege, but remained resolute, adding, "So, if I had to go viral and find myself in a far-right media firestorm and spend many years and many tears wondering why that was happening, I would do it all over again if it meant that I got to be on stage."
Wider Context of Online Abuse
The backlash against Mulvaney's casting saw critics on X arguing she was not the right choice for a historical female role due to her identity, while others accused those critics of transphobia. This incident follows recent reports of other celebrities, such as Lady Gaga, defending Mulvaney from what has been described as "appalling" abuse, highlighting a broader pattern of online harassment faced by transgender public figures.
Mulvaney is set to join the Broadway cast alongside both new and returning members, including Abigail Barlow, Adrianna Hicks, Anna Uzele, and Olivia Donalson, as the production continues its successful run.
