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Broadway theatres dim lights for Joan Rivers following Twitter outcry

The Broadway League had initially said that it would not be honouring the late comedian.

ON MONDAY, THE Broadway League, a body that represents theatre owners and producers, announced that it would not be dimming lights for Joan Rivers, who died last Thursday.

Defending the decision, The Broadway League told The New York Times that the honour was typically reserved for those whose careers were synonymous with the theatre.

We love Joan – she was very supportive of Broadway and came to a lot of show openings – but she hasn’t acted on Broadway in 20 years. When you say Joan Rivers, you don’t think comedy, television and Broadway. You think comedy and television. It’s certainly nothing against her.

The decision prompted outcry on Twitter with both fans and Broadway stars alike protesting the decision.

joanrivers Audra McDonald / Twitter Audra McDonald / Twitter / Twitter

joanrivers3 John Roberts / Twitter John Roberts / Twitter / Twitter

joanrivers4 Harvey Fierstein / Twitter Harvey Fierstein / Twitter / Twitter

An online petition was also launched and attracted nearly 6,000 signatures.

Following the outcry, The Broadway League yesterday announced that they had reversed their decision and would indeed dim the lights for the late comedian. 

The tribute took place at 6.45pm last night and saw theatre bulbs go dark for one minute in memory of Rivers.

joanrivers2 Official DML / Instagram Official DML / Instagram / Instagram

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