Denée Benton speaks onstage during The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023 in New York City.Awards were able to continue to air as planned this year on the condition that it beso as not to cross the Writers Guild of American picket lines.
“And while I am certain that the current Grand Wizard — I’m sorry, excuse me, governor — of my home state of Florida,” Benton casually stated to the roaring applause of the audience while presenting the award for the 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Award. She continued: “I am sure that he will be changing the name of this following town immediately.