Organizers of the 70th Annual Tony Awards have released a statement in response to the horrific mass shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando, in which 50 people were killed and 53 more wounded.
Music Stars React to Orlando Nightclub Massacre, Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando,” said the statement from Tony Award Productions. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight’s ceremony to them.”
Related
WAKE UP AMERICA! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! OR WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE IN OUR SLEEP! https://t.co/V8ndz0ry1L
— Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) June 12, 2016
Tonight, every note I sing will be in remembrance of the lives taken in Orlando.
— Laura Benanti (@LauraBenanti) June 12, 2016
The Tonys have deep ties to the LGBT community. Long before gay marriage entered the national conversation, Tony winners regularly were thanking their same-sex partners, reflecting the greater level of acceptance and visibility among the theater community compared to other branches of the entertainment industry.
Shooting At Orlando Nightclub Leaves 50 Dead in Largest Mass Shooting in U.S. History
In recent years, the Tonys have frequently been hosted by out gay performers such as Sean Hayes, Alan Cumming and four-time host Neil Patrick Harris.
The Tonys will air live on CBS from New York’s Beacon Theatre at 8 p.m. ET/PT time delay. James Corden will host the ceremony, which is expected to be dominated by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster hit, Hamilton, with a record 16 nominations.
This article originally appeared in THR.com.
Shooting At Orlando Nightclub Leaves 50 Dead in Largest Mass Shooting in U.S. History | Patrons on Orlando’s Pulse Before the Tragedy: ‘We Could Be Our Authentic Selves’ | Orlando Shooting: Trump Sees Backlash Over ‘Congrats’ Tweet; Clinton Calls Attack an ‘Act of Terror’ | Orlando Nightclub Mass Shooting: Hollywood Reacts