Laura Benanti bids farewell to Late Show Melania Trump character with Beauty and the Beast-inspired musical number

The Tony Award-winning actor has had a recurring role as First Lady Melania Trump since 2016

Melania Trump doppelgänger Laura Benanti made her epic return to Stephen Colbert's A Late Show with a special song and dance routine, announcing her character’s excitement around returning to New York City.

The only problem? New Yorkers don't exactly want her to come back.

Riffing on the departing First Lady's farewell speech, which she released in a video yesterday (18 January), the Tony Award-winning Benanti sang a musical number set to the tune of “Bonjour” from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As she twirled around Times Square (sans mask), city residents hurled expletives at her.

“Starting to wonder if New York dislikes me?,” she sang, continuing and referencing the pro-Trump riot earlier this month: “What is this word ’complicity?’ / That riot on the Mall / Hurt Melania most of all / No one in Earth is bullied more than me.”

Earlier in December, CNN reported that Ms Trump “just wants to go home” as her husband Donald Trump challenged the election results.

CNN also reported today (19 January) that Ms Trump's popularity ratings are currently the lowest of any First Lady ending her term in polling history.

“As I say farewell to my role as First Lady, it is my sincere hope that every American will do their part to teach our children what it means to Be Best,” Ms Trump said in her farewell video, referencing her youth-focused campaign. “I ask parents to educate your children about the courageous and selfless heroes who worked and sacrificed to make this country the land of the free. And to lead by example and care for others in your community.”

Contrary to her recorded urging for kindness, however, the outgoing First Lady has not reached out to the incoming First Lady, Dr Jill Biden, about anything transition-related, and Mr Trump has already said that he would not be attending Joe Biden’s inauguration this week.

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