Geno Segers will no longer join the Broadway production of Hadestown after his casting prompted online outrage related to his past social media posts, producers confirmed on Monday.
The decision, described by the production as mutual, means Segers will not begin as Hades in the new principal cast originally scheduled to start on 1 September. The production said additional casting will be revealed shortly.
“The producers of Hadestown and Geno Segers have mutually agreed that Mr. Segers will no longer join the Broadway production. Additional casting will be announced shortly.”
What prompted the change
Segers’ appointment, announced on 29 July, quickly sparked backlash online. Theatre audiences and commentators highlighted videos attributed to Segers in which he allegedly criticised transgender individuals, including comments on transgender athletes. The videos were reported to have been removed from his YouTube channel by Sunday.
Segers has a resume that includes playing Mufasa in Disney’s Australian production of The Lion King and appearing in New York City Center Encores! staging of On the Town. His screen credits include roles on television series such as Pair of Kings and Banshee.
Response from the actor
Following the removal announcement, Segers issued an apology addressing those affected and the production team. In his message he acknowledged responsibility and pledged to learn and improve.
“I wish to extend my most sincere apologies to everyone impacted by my words. While I never intended to inflict harm, I recognize that the impact of my statements is what matters most. I am fully committed to listening, educating myself, and elevating my standards.”
The statement continued with an apology specifically to colleagues, saying he accepted responsibility for the stress his actions had caused the production.
Who was due to star in the new principal cast
- Amber Iman as Persephone
- Jasmin Savoy Brown as Eurydice
- Kayko as Orpheus
- Norbert Leo Butz as Hermes
| Role | Actor (announced) |
|---|---|
| Hades | Geno Segers (withdrawn) |
| Persephone | Amber Iman |
| Eurydice | Jasmin Savoy Brown |
| Orpheus | Kayko |
| Hermes | Norbert Leo Butz |
The producers did not offer further explanation beyond the mutual agreement. Casting decisions for high-profile revivals often draw intense public scrutiny; this episode underscores how performers’ public statements and online histories are increasingly factored into theatrical hiring choices.
Producers have said they will announce replacements in due course. For audiences and the Broadway community, attention will now turn to who steps into the role of Hades and how the show manages the aftermath of the controversy as previews approach.
