Olivo posted the video on her channel
Olivo, Tony-nominated for playing Satine, departs the show calling for greater integrity in the theatre industry, and in protest of the wide-ranging industry silence following the recent Hollywood Reporter article detailing lengthy workplace harassment claims against theatre and film producer Scott Rudin. (Rudin, a producer of many Broadway shows, is not part of the Moulin Rouge! team.)
"Social justice is actually more important than being the Sparkling Diamond," Olivo said in a scathing video post. "Building a better industry for all my students than me putting money in my pockets. The silence about Scott Rudin, unacceptable…Now it's about humanity. What is your integrity saying you should do? Are you going to protect your pocketbook and let people go to the emergency room, so you can do your next concert?"
This article originally ran on our US sister site TheaterMania.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is forever indebted to @Karenolivo's artistry, passion, and craft in creating the role of Satine on stage. We applaud and support Karen's advocacy work to create a safe, diverse, and equitable theater industry for all. pic.twitter.com/YfeVtKqWCv
— Moulin Rouge The Musical – Broadway (@MoulinRougeBway) April 14, 2021