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Glee star criticises Lea Michele’s apology for ‘perceived’ on-set behaviour she claims was 'traumatic'

Michele suggested her ‘privileged position’ might have been why her co-stars thought she was acting ‘inappropriately’

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 04 June 2020 09:08 BST
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Glee actor Lea Michele issued an apology after being accused of “traumatic” on-set behaviour, but her co-star isn’t satisfied.

Earlier this week, Samantha Marie Ware claimed that the actor made her life a “living hell” due to “traumatic microaggressions” while filming the show.

Ware made the allegation in a reply to Michele’s post about the death of George Floyd while in custody of police officers in Minneapolis, and the anti-racism protests taking place around the world.

Other stars – including Alex Newell – then came forward with their own claims of Michele’s “bad” behaviour as the actor was dropped by meal-kit business HelloFresh’s ad campaign.

After releasing a statement on Instagram, in which she failed to apologise, she later said via People: ”Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult, I apologise for my behaviour and for any pain which I have caused.

“We all can grow and change and I have definitely used these past several months to reflect on my own shortcomings,” she added.

Ware, though, was confused by Michele’s use of the word “perceived”, tweeting: “Perceived? Purcieved? Purse? Open your purse?????????????? [sic]”

She then posted a link to a GoFundMe page for James Spurlock, who was killed during a George Floyd protest in Nebraska.

Broadway star Gerard Canonico, who has also accused Michele of mean behaviour, wrote: “I tried for years to be nice to you to no avail. Maybe actually apologise instead of placing the blame on how others ‘perceive’ you.’”

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