The casting of alleged devil-diva Lea Michele in her Funny Girl dream role was met with highly polarized reactions. Some couldn’t wait to see the actress in the role they felt she was born for, while others were outraged to see her rumored abusive backstage behavior be rewarded so handsomely.
This range of reactions extends to her former Glee castmates, as well. While some lauded her casting, others have made their disdain pretty clear.
On a recent episode of the The Michelle Collins Show, Glee‘s most notable gay Chris Colfer established himself firmly in the latter camp.
A simple “no” would’ve sufficed, but this is way more fun:
How about we take this to the next level?
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@notbfiner #chriscolfer #leamichele #glee #gleek #kurt #kurthummel #rachelberry #funnygirl #shade #cringe #musical #theatre ♬ original sound – Ben Finer
The host asks Colfer to come out with them to their vague plans that night, which he immediately guesses.
“Are you seeing Funny Girl?” he asks. “Oh, my day suddenly just got so full.”
When the host expresses further interest in seeing Lea, Colfer cheekily pivots to “Well, I saw Six last night, and that was amazing!”
“So you’re not seeing it is my guess, while you’re in town?” Collins asks flat-out. Colfer responds, “No, I can be triggered at home.”
Related: Lea Michele addresses toxic diva behavior and illiteracy rumors ahead of ‘Funny Girl’ debut
We already knew that the Glee set was a guerilla battlefield, but the idea of this ex-Gleek getting war flashbacks at just the sight of Michele doing Fanny Brice just further cements it.
Even though Colfer’s comments came out just yesterday, they’re somehow not the most recent glee-clubber statement on her role.
Her right-hand gay Jonathan Groff just dropped a Variety piece this morning explaining how her Funny Girl role is single-handedly carrying New York City commerce on her back. Or something.
“When her undeniable star power lit up the stage in Funny Girl last month, the musical became the fifth-highest-grossing show on Broadway,” he writes. “By bringing big business back to Broadway, Lea isn’t just making audiences happy, she’s helping support the restaurants and hotels that thrive when Broadway draws a huge crowd”
Hmmm. A big statement for a show just blocks from Times Square, but we get anyone sticking up for their bestie.
Related: ‘The Glee Project’ cast recalls “traumatic” boot camp experience, being pressured to come out on TV
At first glance, a random Wednesday morning seems like an odd time for an out-of-the-blue puff piece essay on a role that’s been filled for over a month. One could think they might’ve had it in the chamber to release ahead of any bad press, a.k.a. the Colfer comments.
However, it may actually have been attempting to get ahead of a different Glee announcement today. Apparently, a tell-all documentary on the making of the hit musical drama is in the works over at Discovery+.
The announcement has Gleeks scared for their sanity:
EXCLUSIVE: Discovery+ and ID are exploring the real story behind Fox’s hit series ‘Glee.’ The streamer has ordered a three-part docuseries from Ample Entertainment https://t.co/hLZ3ZT9FZK
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) October 12, 2022
Considering the horror stories that everyone from co-star Samantha Ware to guest drag queen Willam Belli had of Michele from their time on set, she may need all the good PR she can get before it hits.
smittoons
My ears could not bear more than 15 seconds of Michelle Collins and Chris Colfer together. Thank you for the transcription.
PhillyProud
On the one hand, I was really glad to see an openly gay character like Colfer’s on Glee. If i ever watch an episode with him singing solo, I have to admit, that I fast forward. There are notes that he hits that make my ears bleed. I just can’t handle his voice.
dbmcvey
At least neither of them ever threatened to defecate in a co-worker’s wig.
bachy
Has anyone seen the time Chris Colfer appeared on ‘Hot in Cleveland’ as Victoria Chase’s straight son? He was actually pretty good – and funny as hell. Very believable as a straight dude.
S5.E17 Straight Outta Cleveland
Man About Town
You were able to make it to 15? Five was all I could take!
LumpyPillows
I threaten to shit in a wig all the time. It’s one of my go to lines.
Thad
It’s “best-selling author Chris Colfer,” you know.
dbmcvey
Yes. He can write. Is that a problem?
LumpyPillows
He is quite talented.
Thad
I’ve enjoyed Colfer’s books. Just reminding you it’s been quite a while since “Glee,” and Chris Colfer has been working successfully since.
EddieB
“Triggered” by someone with some actual talent.
dbmcvey
No, triggered by the terrible way Michelle acted on the set of Glee. Pay attention.
inbama
Eddie had it right.
If you prefer to have a ‘nice” lady sing to you, stay home with your mother. That’s not how art is made.
dbmcvey
Hey inbama, you didn’t have to work with her. You don’t know wtf you’re talking about.
ta2t2o
Exactly
LumpyPillows
At some point these queens will need to give their grudge up. Michelle acted like a diva, because she is a diva. She seem to have mended her ways. Give it up, gurl.
inbama
@dbmcvey
I know the arts – which was once expected of gay men.
Sadly, culturally ignorant nervous nellies, gossips and ridiculously dressed fools who think “breaking the binary” is new seem to be what people like you want to speak for us.
DBMC
@inbama
You don’t know the arts. You’re slavering over a Barbra Streisand imitation.
dbmcvey
I’ve only seen Youtube vids of Lea Michelle singing and while she has a great voice I’m not really impressed. There was one of her singing “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and it seemed note for note a Streisand copy. There was also no life in her face and she didn’t react to the ensemble.
I know a Youtube video and it was outdoors and probably in the morning but it wouldn’t make me rush to the theater.
Beachman
I couldn’t make it through the entire clip of her screeching. I found her awful….and living proof that the only good thing about the musical ‘Funny Girl’ was Barbra Streisand. It’s just not a good show, and the music only comes to life with a talent like Streisand.
And for it’s worth, I’m not a Streisand fan….but there’s no denying her vocal talent. Michelle….not so. I got nothing from her….I couldn’t imagine sitting through a 3 hour show with her as the star.
LumpyPillows
Like copying Streisand is a bad move?
She can sing. Denying that is just dishonest.
DBMC
@lumpypillows
Yes, it’s bad. If I want to see a Streisand imitator I’ll watch Steven Brinberg. At least that will be funny.
bachy
This sort of unregulated, vindictive bitchery is one of the things I really dislike about the gay scene. Not so much Chris Colfer’s comments, but the way the subject of this actress’ past is served up as a tasty morsel in a churning shark pool. It’s all shrieking fun&games until someone makes you the object of internet malignance.
We talk a good game against ‘bullying,’ yet blithely look the other way when it’s us doing the bullying.
dbmcvey
I would agree, but more because of the nastiness toward Colfer.
I’m sorry, but when you hear how she acted toward other cast members it’s appalling. It’s not her “perfectionism”, she was (and for all we know still is) a bully.
Jack Meoff
I couldn’t agree more. The comments section in Queerty articles is the worst example of what you are talking about. So many keyboard warriors on here saying some of the most awful things and ready to tear each other down over things as petty as grammar or punctuality. The worst part is that many do it to bait people for their own amusement and nothing more. I see comments made on here clearly only to garner reactions and I watch all the sheep rise to the bait all because they want the argument too and have nothing better to do. How bored do you have to be?
Dingku
OMG, give it a rest. She’s a diva, a bitch or whatever. That shouldn’t follow someone forever. Has she changed? Stop hashing your butt hurt feelings continuously. She is now on Broadway in a show where a hell of a lot of other people are supporting their families and themselves. Support the industry!
dbmcvey
He worked with her. He can feel how he wants.
ta2t2o
Agreed…,meanwhile, she’s still getting work. It comes across as bitter.
DBMC
@ta2t2o
Colfer isn’t acting but he’s working. He’s successful.
sfhairy
And a big eye roll at Chris. Move on.
humble charlie
whoever complains or is surprised about lea’s behavior has obviously never been in an actual college drama department (at least while you’re not having sex with them).
Ronbo
A-men brother. With all the hate being thrown around by the no-talents here at Queerty, we forget that often with great talent comes great ego. Charlie Grey seems intent upon pushing division and hate – where it is not necessary. The show is NOW sold out and on solid ground – with a true iconic talent.
How many BEAUTIFUL videos are out here displaying Lea’s magnificant talent and true audiance appreciation with standing ovations? Chris is doing what? Talented people are often egotistical, jealous and petty. This is a perfect example.
Haters
MikeM
Meanwhile, Lea is on broadway…
cuteguy
You reap what you sow. She has been getting away with her evil behavior for too long. She is an entitled karen and she will never change. Good for Chris for speaking facts
LumpyPillows
He actually shared no facts.
Ronbo
And you are sowing division, hate and name-calling. You must be spectatular looking – your personality is hateful and repugnant. Try being gay.
Rugby8
VERY dissapointed in Chris that publicly he reduced himself to One More Bitchy Queen.
We, collectively, should be better than that. No belting Broadway-style Stars? What would the queens DO?
Seriously- say what you need to privately, but, bitch, you should ACT RIGHT publicly.
I don’t CARE what happened 10+ years ago!
Grow the Freak up!
I’ve been around Far too long, and all of a sudden, everyone feels justified in “Speaking their truth”.
Have Some Class!!!!!!!
MrGoldman
Would y’all be upset of Patty Lupone threatened to shit in someone’s wig? NO! So calm down. That behavior makes me like her more.
cuteguy
You are one sick beyotch. How could you compare a living legend with a fugly loser from a two bit show called Glee ?
dbmcvey
I absolutely would.
But she hasn’t.
Whatever behavior issues Lupone has had, I’ve never heard of her bullying cast and crew members.
LumpyPillows
Patty has cut many a bitch in her day, sweetie. They deserved it too.
Miles
This is the most publicity Chris has gotten in ages. I say let bygones be bygones. Life is short.
ScottOnEarth
The fact that a simple story about someone sharing their opinion of someone they worked with inspired nothing but pointlessly-negative about Chris shows how toxic and awful the gay “community” is to each other.
LumpyPillows
I really like Chris. Not sure why he had to get catty now. He did not stand up with the lesser talent on the show when they complained. I might have given more credence to their complaints.
Winsocki
Miss Colfer sounds like a bitter queen. I never hear about a career after Glee on her part. That audio sounded like 2 teenettes at a sleepover and it was gross. Lea is good and has vocal chops. As for Diva fits….. can we list all in Hollywood….what’s new. Not nice but same old same old. Look at Rock Stars that would have stupid backstage food and drink requirements even to color of jelly beans. What show are you in Miss Colfer? What have you really done, I do not see you even on a American Horror Story.
cuteguy
@Winsocki
Your transphobic comments makes you sound bitter and jealous of Chis who is a he/him. We all know you are using another screen name Cam. Get help already
Ronbo
@cuteguy Just last week you called a Senator “Miss Lindsay Graham” and now your are calling people “transphobic”. Seriously? Is it your self-centered attitude that allows you to call others “transphobic” when you do the EXACT same thing?
Be the better person that you demand of others. Fair enough?
randile
Lumpy pillows if you believe she has changed her ways, can you explain the horror stories from those involved with her current production?
humble charlie
no, TELL ME!!!!!!!!!
MsEverything
Sure, if there are any. Share the horror stories. I’ve only seen comments from Tovah Feldshuh and she thinks Lea is an amazing person.
randile
@Winsocki to better acquaint you with Chris’ work history, please refer to this brief but not complete history of what he has done.
Colfer wrote, starred in, produced, and novelized his first film, Struck by Lightning, which debuted at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival. He also wrote The New York Times bestselling The Land of Stories series of YA books, starting with The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. As of September 2021, he has published eighteen books.
MsEverything
“Struck by Lightning” was panned. Reviewers weren’t kind to him and it didn’t do well commercially either. His first few books were successful but his newer books made no mark and didn’t even make the NY Times list.
He’s not a nobody, but thousands of people aren’t lining up for his book signings. He’s just not that relevant.
LegionKeign
What a bunch of hypocrites!
The same hoes talking about, “move on” and “get over it” and “what a bunch of bitchy queens” sitting up here posting guard for that horrible lea michele are the same douches who constantly drag Madonna, someone who has been a true Gay ally and is a TRUE GAY ICON.
Tired Queens.
MsEverything
One thing to correct – the Variety essay wasn’t something random that just happened to pop up to defend her. She was included in Variety’s New York power list and some of the people on the list had other notable people write an essay about them. Hugh Jackman wrote one for Sutton Foster. Mindy Kaling wrote one for Michael R. Jackson. And the list goes on. The list just happened to be published on the same day Colfer’s comments went viral.