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Broadway production of Hadestown and actor Geno Segers have mutually agreed to part ways following online backlash regarding his past social media comments.
Videos reportedly surfaced in which the 49-year-old criticized transgender people, mocked the practice of sharing pronouns and directed remarks at the transgender community, prompting significant public criticism. He has also expressed opposition to trans athletes participating in women’s sports.
Segers was scheduled to make his Broadway debut as Hades in the NYC production starting September 1, 2026. He is an actor and a voice artist. He has previously appeared in the Disney XD series Pair of Kings, Banshee, Teen Wolf and Yellowstone. He famously portrayed the role of Mufasa in Disney’s Australian production of The Lion King.
The producers of Hadestown shared in an official statement that, “Mr Segers will no longer join the Broadway production” and said that replacement casting for Hades will be announced soon.
Continue reading for more information.
Transphobia controversy explored as Geno Segers part ways with ‘Hadestown’
Geno Segers has been caught up in a controversy for making transphobic comments, leading to him being ousted from the Broadway production of Hadestown.
In a video referenced in the OnStage Blog X post, Segers made remarks that drew comparison between transgender people seeking equal rights and individuals who claim to identify as dogs in order to obtain discounted airfare.
Segers claimed in the clip that he was against trans people’s rights "superseding the rights of other people" and stated he did not see transgender people facing oppression.
He stated in the video:
“Now, you say trans rights are human rights, then that puts you in the group with all the other humans…with the exception of people who don’t believe they are humans.”
He then compared it to people faking their gender identity and identifying as a “canine” to get cheap airfare. He added:
“Now, of course, some people will come at me and say, ‘oh Geno, they don’t feel like that, they’re just tired of being hunted, they’re tired of being oppressed and persecuted.’ I’m sorry, I don’t see that. I don’t see transgenders people becoming oppressed or being oppressed.”
Many theatre fans and members of the broader online community slammed Geno Segers for his transphobic remarks. A small segment of netizens defended Segers, claiming his statements were a matter of personal opinion.
“i hope hadestown takes this whole situation as a lesson and a message that they can’t just do whatever they want and expect no repercussions. geno should have never been cast in the first place, and the casting team should still be held accountable for that choice.”
“Wow, that's disappointing. I get holding people accountable, but losing a job over social media posts feels harsh. Hope both he and the show can move forward.”
“Actor Geno Seger lost his Broadway role as Hades in Hadestown because he opposes men in women's sports. I hope he sues.”
“Hadestown parts ways with Geno Segers following online backlash — another reminder of how quickly public pressure can impact the entertainment industry.”
Geno Segers' co-star, Amber Iman, who has been cast as Hades’ wife Persephone, celebrated the change on social media. Sharing her views on Seger’s exit from the show in her Instagram Stories, she wrote:
“I wasn’t posting, But I was not quiet. Sometimes you gotta get off social media and demand answers. Cuz I’ll be damned if my ‘husband’ is a clown and we’re not at the circus. ONWARD.”
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In addition to Iman, Hadestown will feature songwriter Kayko as Orpheus and The Leftovers alum Jasmin Savoy Brown as Eurydice. Norbert Leo Butz will narrate the show as Hermes.
Hadestown is an acclaimed, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that modernizes the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone. The show has been created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin. It reportedly won eight Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical.
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