Karen Olivo Won’t Return To Broadway’s ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Over Scott Rudin Abuse Allegations

When Broadway returns this fall, Karen Olivo will not return to her Tony-nominated role of Satine in Moulin Rouge!, following Broadway’s silence to accusations made against producer Scott Rudin last week.

In a Wednesday Instagram video, Olivo spoke out on why she will not be returning to the musical once Broadway reopens.

“Social justice is more important than being a sparkling diamond,” she said. “Building a better industry for all my students is more important than me putting money in my pockets.”

“The silence about Scott Rudin, unacceptable! Unacceptable. That’s the easy one, y’all. That’s a monster. That should be a no-brainer. Those of you who say you’re scared, what are you afraid of? Shouldn’t you be more afraid of not saying something and more people getting hurt,” she continued.

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“I don’t need to be on a stage,” she added. “I need to be out here. People are more important than your pocketbook.”

Olivo’s video came a day after Actors Equity, the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 and SAG-AFTRA, the three main unions for performers, released a statement regarding Rudin’s accusations. “Every worker deserves to do their job in an environment free of harassment of any king, whether that harassment creates a toxic workplace or, certainly in the case of sexual harassment, when that behavior is also against the law,” the statement said.

“I want a theater industry that matches my integrity,” Olivo said. “C’mon, y’all, why don’t we go make it? It’s not here obviously.”