Broadway Star Sues Newspaper For Defamation

The star of Bandstand might soon take the witness stand.

Last week, Broadway actress Laura Osnes sued The New York Post for defamation over an article that the newspaper published a year ago. She claims that the newspaper’s “libelous conduct has caused, and continues to cause, [her] disgrace and humiliation, harm to her professional and personal reputation, mental anguish and emotional distress,” and she is seeking at least $5 million in damages.

The article claimed that Osnes was fired from a special performance of the planned Broadway revival of Crazy for You for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The theater presenting the show was reported to have a policy that “requires staff and performers to be vaccinated, or submit a negative COVID test.”

However, five days after the article was published, the actress issued a statement on social media describing what she claims “actually happened.”

“A month ago, I was informed that protocols had changed, and I would now need proof of vaccination to participate,” Osnes wrote. “I was disappointed, but responded that I would have to withdraw, as I have not yet gotten the vaccine,” she explained.

Osnes insisted that the option of submitting a negative COVID-19 test result was never offered to her. “I would have tested in a heartbeat — something I have been doing for months, and will continue to do so, in order to keep working safely,” she stated.

In addition, addressing the politically divisive issue of vaccinations, Osnes continued that “I believe individuals have the right to do research, consult a doctor, and come to their own conclusions before deciding whether or not to get any injection.” “There is so much that is still unknown,” she wrote, adding that, “[s]omeday, perhaps [my husband and I] will feel more confident in the research to consider a different position.”

“Every soul is entitled to live according to their convictions and work without being publicly ostracized,” Osnes argued.

Nevertheless, the two-time Tony Award-nominated actress was replaced in a touring production and two concerts of the musical Bonnie & Clyde in London’s West End. She now performs three times a week as a vocalist in a musical circus show in Nashville, Tennessee, and recorded songs for a record to be released in a few months.

The newspaper declined to discuss the lawsuit, and its attorneys now have less than two weeks to appear in court or respond to the action before a default judgment is entered.