'Six' The Musical Producers Stand Firm Against Bullying of Transgender Star Dylan Mulvaney in Broadway Casting Backlash

In a bold move that underscores the theater world's commitment to protecting its artists, the producers of Six the Musical's Broadway production have publicly condemned bullying directed at transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney following her casting announcement. The statement, reported across multiple outlets, highlights the production's priority on cast safety amid a wave of online harassment.

The controversy erupted shortly after the Broadway cast for Six was revealed, with Mulvaney announced to portray Anne Boleyn, one of the six wives of Henry VIII reimagined in this pop-concert-style musical. Six the Musical, which originated in London's West End in 2017 and has since become a global phenomenon, celebrates the stories of Henry VIII's wives through empowering anthems performed by an all-female cast of queens. Mulvaney's casting aligns with the show's theme of femininity and resilience, as she herself noted in a personal response to the backlash.

The producers acted swiftly by temporarily limiting access to the Broadway production's X account , a decision they attributed to comments that "crossed the line into bullying. "In their official statement, they emphasized: "The protection, safety, and support of the Six cast has always been, and remains, our highest priority. While we welcome passionate engagement with the show, aggressive, threatening or abusive behaviour is never acceptable. "They further affirmed: "As a production, we unequivocally condemn bullying in all its forms and remain committed to fostering a respectful, supportive environment for everyone involved. We are incredibly excited to welcome our incoming Broadway cast, and we cannot wait to see them take to the stage."

At the time of reporting, the X account remained private, while the production's Instagram account stayed public but had comments disabled specifically on the Mulvaney casting post. Comments remained open on other casting announcements, indicating a targeted approach to managing toxicity without broadly silencing discourse.

This response reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry where productions prioritize artist well-being in the face of social media vitriol. Broadway, long a space for diverse storytelling, has seen increased scrutiny over casting choices, particularly those involving transgender performers. Mulvaney, known for her viral TikTok Bud Light campaign and documentary appearances, brings significant visibility to the role, potentially drawing both supporters and detractors.

Mulvaney addressed the backlash directly in a TikTok video posted earlier that week, framing her Broadway debut as a milestone for transgender representation. "Being a trans person in 2026, when this world is working against us in what feels like every way… for me to be able to step out onto a Broadway stage as Anne Boleyn and perform an iconic historical character’s role in a show that is so rooted in celebrating femininity, I think that’s a miracle, "she stated.

She extended a message of hope to transgender youth: "I just want you to know that you can literally do anything. But do not let anyone take away what brings you joy, and you might have to fight really hard for it, or go around the long way, but it is so worth it. And it might not feel like it, but there are so many people cheering you on, and I am one of them."

Mulvaney's words resonate deeply in a year marked by ongoing debates over transgender visibility in media and performance arts. Her journey from social media influencer to Broadway stage exemplifies the barriers transgender people continue to navigate, even as opportunities expand. She will make her debut on February 16 at the Lena Horne Theatre, joining a cast that promises to bring fresh energy to the Tony-nominated production.

Six the Musical, created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, transforms the tragic tales of Henry VIII's wives into a high-energy pop spectacle where the queens compete to tell their stories through song. The show has earned acclaim for its feminist lens, with songs like "Don't Lose Ur Head"and "Get Down"celebrating agency and survival. Since its Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2018, it has toured internationally and secured a permanent Broadway home since 2021.

The musical's structure inherently supports diverse casting, as each queen role rotates among performers, allowing multiple transgender and non-binary artists to shine in productions worldwide. Mulvaney's Anne Boleyn, known for her wit and beheading, fits seamlessly into this narrative of reclaimed power. Producers have long championed inclusivity, making this casting a natural extension of the show's ethos.

As opening night approaches, anticipation builds for how Mulvaney's performance will embody Anne Boleyn's spirit, potentially silencing critics with artistry. Theater communities worldwide watch, hopeful this moment advances inclusive progress.