Billy Porter Slammed for Saying ‘Black People Have Replaced the Jews’ While Promoting Cabaret Revival
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Award‑winning actor Billy Porter is facing intense backlash after declaring during a CBS Mornings interview that “Black people have replaced the Jews” in the context of modern oppression while discussing his lead role in Broadway’s forthcoming revival of Cabaret. Porter touted the production’s historic casting of three Black principals but framed it by suggesting African Americans now occupy the social position Jews held in 1930s Berlin.
The comment ricocheted across social media, with the Anti‑Defamation League labeling it “deeply irresponsible Holocaust inversion” and the Jewish Agency urging producers to condemn the rhetoric. TikTok clips of the segment racked up millions of views, while #BoycottCabaret trended on X. A spokesperson for the show declined to comment; Porter’s publicist has not issued a statement, and none of the Broadway investors have signaled plans to recast the role.
Industry insiders worry the controversy could overshadow the production’s December opening and damage Porter’s activism‑driven brand. Critics note the musical’s Jewish themes make the remark especially fraught, and some ticket‑holders have already requested refunds. As the storm grows, theater observers say an apology or clarification is likely the only path to salvaging goodwill ahead of the revival’s first preview.
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