“So disappointed in him” - Constance Wu slams Andrew Barth Feldman’s silence about being cast in an Asian lead role in ‘Maybe Happy Ending’

Actress Constance Wu recently criticized actor Andrew Barth Feldman for how he handled the controversy surrounding his casting in the Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending.

She took to Instagram on September 16, 2025, saying she was “so disappointed” after an alleged recent voice memo from Feldman, despite earlier private discussions between them about Asian American representation in theater, as reported by Just Jared on the same day.

“Recently, Andrew reached out to me to talk and we had an in-depth phone call about Asian American representation and erasure in theater. It was a peaceful call and we spoke at length, followed up by several emails/texts. It made me hopeful. But after a recent voice memo he sent me, all I can say is that I am so disappointed in him,” Constance Wu wrote.

Feldman replaced Darren Criss in the role of Oliver for a nine-week run ending November 1, 2025. Criss, who originated the role on Broadway, is scheduled to return to the role afterward.

The musical, set in Seoul, South Korea, has been praised for featuring Asian actors in lead roles. However, following the announcement of Feldman’s casting in late July, critics said that Oliver should have been played by an Asian or Asian American actor. Prominent voices, including actor BD Wong, circulated petitions urging producers to reconsider the decision.

Constance Wu calls Feldman’s silence “complicity” in racism

On September 4, 2025, Constance Wu posted a series of Instagram Stories criticizing Feldman for not addressing the controversy publicly. She called his silence “cowardly” and “disrespectful,” adding that “historically,” remaining silent was “complicity in racism,” as reported by Just Jared.

She urged the No Hard Feelings actor to acknowledge the concerns, even if he disagreed with them. In a statement posted on her Instagram Stories, Constance Wu wrote:

“Maybe ignoring it will be a lot less drama/headache for you personally Andrew, I get it. But sometimes it’s worth it to suffer a bit of discomfort to at least acknowledge the voices of a population of people who have not had the racial privilege that you were born with. For your own integrity if for nothing else.”

Constance Wu went on to add:

“You can respectfully disagree and the way to start that is at least acknowledging the existence and pain of voices on the other side. Yeah you might encounter some drama on the other side of that disagreement but it’s worth it for your own integrity. We are worth it. Please stop ignoring us.”

Helen J. Shen responds to criticism over boyfriend’s casting

Helen J. Shen and Andrew Barth Feldman at the 2025 Town Hall Spring Shout Benefit Concert (Image via Getty)

Helen J. Shen, Feldman’s real-life girlfriend and co-star in Maybe Happy Ending, addressed the controversy in July 2025, shortly after Feldman’s casting was announced. Shen plays the female lead in the Broadway musical.

Long before Constance Wu’s comments, Shen acknowledged the disappointment within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, noting that the show had been seen as a step forward for representation.

“The vacuum of A/PI stories that don’t center around pain or tropes wanted to be filled by our show from our community,” she said. “I know the hurt that people feel because growing up, I would have found a beacon of hope in seeing our show on TV on the Tony Awards. A part of me is mourning that along with the community.”

However, Shen also expressed personal joy about performing opposite Feldman.

“To have this opportunity to play opposite my favorite actor in the world for 9 weeks, who happens to be perfect for the role, is a huge moment of joy for me,” she added.

Shen concluded the post by saying she was “struggling to hold multiple truths” about the situation and that “every perspective on this situation contains truth.”

Despite calls for Andrew Feldman to step aside, Maybe Happy Ending continues its Broadway run with him playing Oliver through November 2025. Neither Feldman nor the producers have released statements responding to the criticism from Constance Wu or the petitions circulated by BD Wong and other AAPI performers.

About the author

Devangee Halder is a Food and Pop culture writer at Sportskeeda. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's Degree in International Studies. A bibliophile and foodie, her academic background, with the intersection of history and cultural studies, has deepened her love for reading and writing.

With over a year of experience, including an internship at Indian Express, which she landed through correspondence with editor Raj Kumar Jha, she transitioned into her current role at this company.

When not working, she enjoys cooking and reading, alongside her newfound interest in weightlifting. Among her favorite personalities are Sarah Todd and Vikas Khanna, and she admires the late chef Jock Zonfrillo for his work on indigenous food habits and ingredients.

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Edited by Devangee