Six Producers Respond to Online Bullying Following Dylan Mulvaney’s Broadway Casting

Producers of the Broadway musical Six have taken steps to address online bullying following the recent casting of influencer and performer Dylan Mulvaney, who is set to make her Broadway debut next month.

Mulvaney, 29, announced earlier this month that she will join the production on February 16 in the role of Anne Boleyn, one of the six wives of King Henry VIII, portrayed in the show as members of a modern pop inspired girl group. The casting announcement was followed by a wave of criticism on social media, with some users questioning her suitability for the role on the basis of her identity, while others condemned the backlash as transphobic.

In response, the show’s producers have limited public access to the production’s official account on X. As of January 21, posts from the account are protected, and new follower requests require approval. The move came after producers reviewed a number of comments that they said crossed the line from criticism into harassment and bullying.

The producers said they support passionate discussion around the show but do not tolerate aggressive, threatening, or abusive behaviour. They reiterated their commitment to maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for cast, creatives, and audiences, and confirmed their enthusiasm for welcoming the incoming company to the stage.

Mulvaney, who has previously appeared in the national tour of The Book of Mormon, has also addressed the reaction to her casting. Speaking from rehearsals for Six, she acknowledged that her abilities had been publicly questioned but emphasised her love of performing and her determination to continue pursuing theatre.

She described the opportunity to appear on Broadway in a role that celebrates femininity as deeply meaningful, particularly at a time when transgender people face increasing hostility. Mulvaney noted that her career path has been unconventional, shaped in part by her public profile, but said she would not change that journey given where it has led.

Mulvaney will begin performances alongside new and returning cast members including Abigail Barlow, Adrianna Hicks, Anna Uzele, and Olivia Donaldson. Six continues its run at the Lena Horne Theatre, where it remains one of Broadway’s most popular contemporary musicals.

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