The Hamilton cast is calling out Madonna for allegedly using her iPad during a live performance, and they’re not holding back.

Anthony Ramos, who originated the roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the hit Broadway musical, shared the story on Watch What Happens Live on Thursday (June 19, 2025). When asked about the worst audience behavior he’d witnessed, he didn’t hesitate: “The most terrifying was Madonna with her iPad in her face. She was like this [mimics shining a light] the whole time.”

Ramos added, “I was like, ‘Damn, shorty. If you’re not enjoying it that much, you know the door is right there. You don’t have to stay here.’”

It’s not the first time Hamilton performers have spoken up about the pop icon’s behavior in the theatre. Back in April 2015, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator and original Alexander Hamilton, appeared to take a jab at Madonna in a now-deleted tweet. He wrote, “Tonight was the first time I asked stage management NOT to allow a celebrity (who was texting all through Act 2) backstage. #noselfieforyou.”

While the tweet didn’t name her directly, fans immediately linked the post to Madonna. Her publicist denied the accusations, telling Us Weekly: “It’s not true. She was invited backstage four different times. She texted post-show when they were doing their fundraising pitch. Madonna had already made a generous donation.”

Still, other cast members back up Ramos’ and Miranda’s frustrations. Jonathan Groff, who played the scene-stealing King George, recalled: “That b**** was on her phone. You couldn’t miss it from the stage. It was a black void of the audience in front of us and her face there perfectly lit by the light of her iPhone through three-quarters of the show.”

The story has resurfaced years later, reigniting debate over celebrity behavior in live theatre. Fans and performers alike have long criticized phone use during shows, especially when it disrupts both the actors and fellow audience members.

Whether Madonna was texting, filming, or simply checking emails, the cast seems to agree it was a major distraction. And judging by Ramos’ and Groff’s blunt commentary, the moment left a lasting impression.

Theater etiquette might be old-school, but even A-listers aren’t above the basic rules. And if Madonna’s glow was as blinding as described, it’s no wonder she made Broadway headlines for all the wrong reasons.

One thing’s clear: when it comes to Hamilton, there’s no room for illuminated distractions, no matter how iconic you are.