Gay director Michael Arden has word ‘f****t’ cut from Tonys acceptance speech by CBS
"To our beautiful trans, non-binary, queer youth, know that your queerness is what makes you beautiful and powerful."
Michael Arden had his pro-LGBTQ acceptance speech at last night’s Tonys edited by CBS in its live broadcast of the awards.
The director attempted to reclaim the anti-gay slur “f****t” in the passionate tribute yesterday (11 June 2023), only for it to be bleeped out by the broadcaster.
The 40-year-old, who is gay, won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his revival of Parade at last night’s event.
“All I can say is that now I’m a f****t with a Tony” – Michael Arden
Taking to the stage to collect his trophy, Arden reportedly said: “Growing up, I was called the F-word more times than I can remember.
“And all I can say is that now I’m a f****t with a Tony.”
However, the second part of the statement was bleeped out.
Earlier in the speech, he said: “And to our beautiful trans, non-binary, queer youth. Know that your queerness is what makes you beautiful and powerful.
“Everyone in this room sees you and needs you and will fight alongside you and we will win.”
Arden’s words were pertinent: elsewhere, Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee became the first publicly non binary people to win Tonys.
Some Like It Hot star Ghee won Leading Actor in a Musical. Meanwhile Shucked star Newell won best featured actor in a musical.
Another gay winner at last night’s ceremony was Will & Grace star Sean Hayes. He took home Best Leading Actor in a Play for Good Night, Oscar.
Into the Heights Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose, who is queer, presented the awards.