Revealed: Lea Michele's Current Relationship Status with 'Glee' Co-Stars
Discover the current relationship status of Lea Michele with her former co-stars from 'Glee' From Chris Colfer to Jane Lynch, find out where each cast member stands with Michele after the bullying controversy that shook the showbiz industry
Lea Michele's relationships with her Glee co-stars were less than happy. In June 2020, Samantha Marie Ware, who played Jane Hayward on season 6 of the show, accused Michele of bullying, which made headlines.
Michele had posted comments in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, to which Ware responded via Twitter, "LMAO REMEMBER WHEN YOU MADE MY FIRST TELEVISION GIG A LIVING HELL?!?! CAUSE ILL NEVER FORGET."
"You told everyone that you would defecate in my wig if given the chance, along with other microaggressions that made me doubt my career in Hollywood," Ware recounted. Amber Riley, who portrayed Mercedes in the musical comedy series, responded to the post with a gif of her sipping from a mug. Michele, on the other hand, responded to the remarks two days later.
The exact wording of this statement is not something I recall, and I want to make it clear that I have never discriminated against anyone based on their background or skin color. However, the important thing to acknowledge is that my actions have caused harm to others. It's possible that my privileged position and perspective made me come across as insensitive or inappropriate at times, or that my own immaturity and stubbornness caused unnecessary difficulties. Regardless of the reasons behind it, I take responsibility for my behavior and any pain I may have caused. I offer my sincerest apologies.
Some of Lea Michele's Glee colleagues criticized her behavior on set during New Year's Eve, while others came to her defense. Iqbal Theba, who played Principal Figgins, spoke out in support of Michele on Instagram in June 2020, stating that he was never mistreated by her and that if anyone was, she had apologized for it. He urged others to be careful and responsible before accusing someone of racism, as the burden is too heavy and unfair for most people, especially in troubled times. Theba expressed love for all of his fellow cast members from the show.
Matthew Morrison, who portrayed Will Schuester as the head of the Glee Club, believed that the controversy was a trivial matter compared to more pressing concerns, as he stated in a June 2022 interview on FUBAR Radio’s Access All Areas. “Being a likable and amicable person is essential in any setting. That's all I have to say about that,” he remarked.
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A Guide to Where Lea Michele Now Stands With Each of Her 'Glee' Costars: Chris Colfer, Jane Lynch and More
Less than gleeful relationships. Lea Michele made headlines in June 2020 when Samantha Marie Ware, who played Jane Hayward on season 6 of Glee, accused her of bullying.
During the time when Michele was showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Margot vs. Lily actress Ware took to Twitter to recall the difficult experience she had with Michele during their time working together on their first television gig. Ware claimed that Michele made her experience a living hell and even went as far as making traumatic microaggressions such as threatening to "s—t in my wig" which led her to question her career in Hollywood.
Amber Riley, who portrayed Mercedes in the musical comedy series, shared a gif of herself sipping from a mug in response to the post. Michele, on the other hand, addressed the comments two days after.
"I cannot recall ever making this particular statement, and I have never evaluated someone based on their background or skin color. However, that is not the main issue here. What is important is that my actions have undoubtedly caused harm to other individuals."
"I acknowledge that my behavior may have been perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times, and for this, I apologize. It is possible that my privileged position and perspective contributed to this, or that my own immaturity made me unnecessarily difficult. Regardless, I take responsibility for any pain that I may have caused."
"I was never mistreated by @LeaMichele, and if some of the cast were treated badly, then she has apologized for it, which is wonderful," shared Iqbal Theba, who played Principal Figgins, on Instagram in June 2020. He emphasized the importance of being compassionate, careful, and responsible before accusing anyone of racism, as the burden of such accusations can be too heavy and unfair, especially in troubled times. Matthew Morrison, who portrayed Will Schuester, the leader of the Glee Club, regarded the controversy as a mere "distraction" from more significant issues during a June 2022 interview on FUBAR Radio's Access All Areas, choosing to focus on being a good and pleasant person instead.
Scroll through to see where Michele stands with each of her Glee costars now:
Credit: Courtesy of Lea Michele/Instagram
Alex Newell
At the Tony Awards in June 2023, Newell, known for playing Unique Adams on Glee, had a chance reunion with Michele, his former co-star. Newell, who won the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, performed with the cast of Shucked at the show, while Michele sang "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl. Newell expressed his happiness on Instagram, captioning a selfie with Michele as a memorable moment and thanking her for celebrating his success.
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Kate Hudson
During the fourth season of Glee, the character of Michele was taught by a college professor played by an Almost Famous alum. Despite their on-screen rivalry, Michele and Hudson's real-life relationship is much more amicable.
Michele expressed her gratitude towards Kate, calling her a true angel on earth. The two shared a delightful evening at @funnygirlbwy, and Michele cherished the moments spent with her dearly. A backstage snapshot with Hudson was shared by Michele on Instagram in February 2023.
Credit: Courtesy of Lea Michele/Instagram
Gwyneth Paltrow
Holly Holiday, played by the Oscar-winning Michele, tied the knot with executive producer Brad Falchuck. The couple was present to show their support for Michele during her performance in Funny Girl in February 2023. Michele took to Instagram to express her gratitude to the couple with a caption that read, "Love you both so much @gwynethpaltrow & @bradfalchuk thank you for coming to @funnygirlbwy last night. ️" Paltrow was quick to shower Michele with praise, commenting, "We are still speechless over your brilliant performance ️."
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Skylar Astin
Astin and Michele have a longstanding friendship that began during their time working together on Broadway's Spring Awakening. Their bond has remained strong over the years, with Astin showing his support for Michele during her performance in Funny Girl in November 2022. It's clear that their shared passion for the performing arts has brought them together and kept them close.
"My dear friend of a million years @skylarastin came to @funnygirlbwy last night. ️," Michele wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of the two.
"Chills!! You were incredible!" Astin commented.
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Chord Overstreet
During an interview with We in October 2022, Overstreet shared that he tries to meet up with his former Glee costars whenever they are in the same area. He expressed interest in seeing Funny Girl on Broadway and even planned to visit New York in November for press events related to Falling for Christmas. If time permits, he hopes to catch the show during his visit.
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Chris Colfer
In a recent interview with The Michelle Collins Show in October 2022, Colfer was asked if he would be joining his former costar in Funny Girl. He replied with a humorous quip, stating that he would rather stay at home and avoid any potential triggers.
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Kevin McHale
The former boy band member told E! News he didn’t “have any plans” to see Michele play Fanny Brice on Broadway during a September 2022 conversation.
“I haven’t talked to her in a while, to be honest,” he said, adding, “I’m sure she’s f—king phenomenal in it.”
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Jonathan Groff
In October 2022, Groff wrote a heartfelt tribute to his Spring Awakening co-star for Variety. He praised Lea's star power and the positive impact she has on Broadway, not only making audiences happy but also supporting local businesses like restaurants and hotels. He specifically highlighted her recent success in Funny Girl, which became the fifth-highest grossing show on Broadway.
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Becca Tobin
Tobin, who is from Georgia and famously played Kitty on Glee, showed her support for Michele's Broadway performance in September 2022. Michele was thrilled to have her there and shared a photo of the two in front of the Funny Girl stage on social media, captioning it, "I love you so much @becca made me so happy you were here tonight!!!"
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Jenna Ushkowitz
In September 2022, Entertainment Weekly asked the Tony winner if she’d reached out to Michele ahead of her Broadway run.
“I have not. I will leave it at that,” she replied.
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Jane Lynch
Lynch's departure from the Broadway cast of Funny Girl was moved up shortly after Michele's addition in July 2022, leading to speculation among fans. However, Lynch clarified in an August 2022 interview with Playbill that her early exit was not due to any issues with Michele. Lynch stated that she and Michele have a good relationship and even exchange texts. Lynch expressed excitement for Michele's role in the musical.
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Amber Riley
After sharing a cheeky gif reaction to Ware’s allegations that Michele mistreated her, Riley clarified that she didn’t “give a s—t” about the controversy.
"I won't label her as a racist. ... I wish Lea Michele all the best and hope she has a fantastic pregnancy. I hope she has matured and comprehends the gravity of her actions," shared the former Dancing With the Stars cast member on Instagram Live in June 2020. "I didn't bother reading her apology because, as I mentioned, I don't care about it. She contacted me, and I replied. That's the conclusion for me. I haven't spoken to her in two years. I hold no grudges or resentment towards her."
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Heather Morris
Morris took to Twitter in June 2020 to express her thoughts on Ware's accusations of "traumatic microaggressions" against Michele. Morris acknowledged Michele's unpleasant behavior towards others and believed that calling her out was necessary. She also mentioned that the responsibility falls on everyone who allowed it to continue without speaking out, highlighting the need for societal change.
On an episode of the "Everything Iconic" podcast, the actress from California revealed that her co-star's actions were kept quiet while on set. She admitted that although they could have reported the situation to Fox executives, nobody did. The actress explained that many people were too afraid to speak up and even she felt like it wasn't her place to say anything, despite being a cast member.
Morris added that the “only person honest” about the New York native’s attitude on Glee was the late Naya Rivera.
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Iqbal Theba
"I want to make it clear that I never experienced any mistreatment from [Michele]," tweeted Theba, a native of Pakistan, in June 2020 amidst the backlash to Ware's allegations. "And if any of the cast members were treated unfairly, she has taken responsibility and apologized for it, which is admirable."
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Matthew Morrison
In a June 2020 appearance on FUBAR Radio's Access All Areas, the Broadway alum said he “didn’t want to comment too much” on Michele’s alleged treatment of Ware.
"I honestly think it's a distraction of, you know, the bigger issues that are going on right now," he said.
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Dianna Agron
Agron and Michele were roommates during their time on the hit television show Glee in 2009, indicating a close relationship between the two. Although there have been no recent public statements about their friendship, Agron still follows Michele on Instagram. While some of her other former cast members have spoken out about Michele's behavior on set, Agron has remained silent.
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Jayma Mays
Mays expressed her enthusiasm for Michele’s casting as Funny Girl during the promotion of her film Disenchanted in September 2022. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Trial & Error actress believes that Michele is the perfect fit for the role and wishes her the best of luck. Mays also noted that Michele seems to be doing exceptionally well in her new role.
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Darren Criss
In October 2022, Michele shared a sweet Instagram post expressing her love for Darren Criss and his wife, Mia. Along with a photo of the trio at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City, Michele wrote about how many times Criss had heard her sing "Don’t Rain On My Parade."
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Samantha Marie Ware
Ware reacted to Michele’s Funny Girl casting announcement via Twitter in July
"I acknowledge that I am present online today. I see all of you and I deeply care. The events have affected me as a human being and as a Black person. I have experienced abuse and my aspirations have been tainted. The entertainment industry, including Broadway and Hollywood, perpetuate whiteness. Remaining silent in the face of such injustices is complicity, which is why I choose to be vocal and stand up for what is right. And if given the chance, I would do it all over again," she wrote in her statement.
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Ryan Murphy
The creator of Glee showed up to show his support for Michele in the biographical musical. In September 2022, the Funny Girl actress shared a carousel of Instagram photos, one of which featured Murphy, Groff, and Spring Awakening director Michael Mayer. As the caption read, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world."
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Kristin Chenoweth
After seeing Michele's performance in Funny Girl, the Broadway veteran and former Glee actress, who portrayed April Rhodes, expressed her admiration for Michele in an Instagram post from October 2022. "I've looked up to you for as long as I can remember," Michele wrote in the caption of a backstage photo featuring her and Chenoweth. Michele went on to express her gratitude for their friendship, saying, "But the greatest gift of all is being able to call you a friend. I love and admire you so much @kchenoweth thank you for always being there for me."
