Geno Segers, an actor recognized for his role in the television series "Yellowstone," has departed the Broadway production of "Hadestown" after videos circulated online in which he expressed his views on transgender rights. Segers was scheduled to begin his role as Hades on September 1.
Producers for the Tony Award-winning musical announced on Sunday that they and Segers had "mutually agreed that Mr. Segers will no longer join the Broadway production." The specific reasons for his departure were not immediately provided.
On Monday, Segers posted a statement on social media, which he described as a lengthy apology, addressing the comments. "To all affected communities, I wish to extend my most sincere apologies to everyone impacted by my words," the actor wrote. "While I never intended to inflict harm, I recognize that the impact of my statement is what matters most. I am fully committed to listening, educating myself, and elevating my standards. I will work tirelessly to earn the opportunity to make things right."
He also apologized to his fellow cast and crew members and acknowledged the need for accountability. "I accept full responsibility for my words and acknowledge the necessity of immediate accountability."
The videos that reportedly led to the decision had been removed from Segers' social media accounts by the time the news of his casting was announced last week, according to The New York Times. However, an online theater publication, OnStage Blog, published clips they obtained from Segers' YouTube channel.
In one video, Segers stated, "I’m not against anyone living out their lives the way they want, but I am against their rights superseding the rights of other people. That’s a little bit foul." He also added, "I don't see transgender people becoming oppressed or being oppressed." In another clip, he discussed pronouns, saying, "If you ask what my preferred pronouns are, and it's not obvious to you that I'm a he/him... surely you don't need any help."
Following the announcement of Segers' departure, social media reactions were divided. Some users expressed support for the decision, while others suggested he was "bullied out of his role" and should not have apologized for his comments.
"Hadestown," written by Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, intertwines the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice with those of Hades and Persephone. Segers previously appeared in "Yellowstone" as Danny Trudeau in its first season. It remains unclear who will replace him in the "Hadestown" production.