Geno Segers quits Broadway Hadestown after backlash

Actor Geno Segers has departed the Broadway production of "Hadestown" just one week after his casting was announced, following a social media controversy over his past comments on transgender issues. The producers announced the mutual decision on Monday, August 3, 2026, stating that Segers will no longer join the show, which is scheduled to begin performances at the Walter Kerr Theatre on September 1.

The controversy stemmed from the resurfacing of the actor's online posts and videos, which were viewed as critical of the transgender community and pronoun usage. Theater blogs and social media users highlighted his opposition to transgender athletes participating in women's sports. In response to the backlash, Segers set his Instagram account to private and removed videos from his YouTube channel.

Producers Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy issued a joint statement confirming the departure. "The producers of 'Hadestown' and Geno Segers have mutually agreed that Mr. Segers will no longer join the Broadway production," the statement read. "Additional casting will be announced shortly." Segers had been slated to play the central role of Hades in the...