Idina Menzel, star of the Broadway musical "Wicked," and her husband, actor Taye Diggs have received hateful threats because of their interracial marriage.

The couple was the focus of at least three letters last week in which bodily harm was threatened, the New York Post reported in Monday editions.

Despite the threats, Menzel still performed on Sunday, arriving at the Gershwin Theater under heavy guard. For the matinee, she was accompanied by five plainclothes guards, who remained stationed outside the stage door.

Diggs, who is black and stars in the UPN drama "Kevin Hill," and Menzel, who is white, were wed in January 2003.

Earlier this year, Menzel won a Tony award for her portrayal of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

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Posted by Lawren at December 7, 2004 06:26 AM

You Said

I hope people that love to say "we've come such a long way" pay attention when these stories are reported.

Says: Kelly at December 7, 2004 10:31 AM

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I was just going to say the same exact thing. We'd like to think we've come a long way -- and to an extent, we have -- but we still have miles to go.

Says: Kevin the Interloper at December 7, 2004 10:38 AM

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So very sad....

But, wow - I guess she really believes in the whole "show must go on" thing...good for her!

and, on a side note...damn, i really want to see "Wicked"...

Says: Kelly P. at December 7, 2004 06:02 PM

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... damn, I really want to see Taye Diggs in something other than that horribly scripted crap he's in now. :)

Says: Amanda at December 8, 2004 06:27 PM

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