James Corden and a host of stars pay tribute to Orlando shooting massacre victims at The Tony Awards
Liam Payne and Rita Ora among those paying respects online
TONY Awards host James Corden gave a touching tribute in his opening speech at the ceremony in wake of the atrocity in Florida which claimed the lives of at least 50 people.
Speaking on stage at the Beacon Theatre in New York City at the 70th annual bash, the 37-year-old addressed the star-studded audience and the viewers watching at home.
He said: “All around the world people are trying to come to terms with the horrific event that took place in Orlando this morning.
“On behalf of the whole theatre community and every person in this room our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity.
"All we can say is you are not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy.
“Theatre is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved.";
The Late Late Show presenter concluded: “Hate will never win. Together, we have to make sure of that. Tonight's show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principal.”
The cast of acclaimed Broadway production of Hamilton too paid their respects with a moving performance.
As the big winners of the night, they used their acceptance speeches to continue to highlight the plight of those affected.
RELATED STORIES
Fifty were killed and 53 injured when Omar Mateen attacked Pulse nightclub with an assault rifle before taking hostages in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He was killed in the ensuing shoot-out with police.
New York-born Omar, 29 – born to Afghan parents – is believed to have possessed extremist sympathies.
Police called the tragedy – which took place between 2am and 5am local time – “an act of terrorism”.
The attack eclipses the 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech university, which left 32 dead.
During a press conference, US President Barack Obama called the tragedy “an act of terror and an act of hate”, and an “especially heartbreaking day” for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Americans.
In the wake of the attack, celebrities ranging from One Direction singer Liam Payne and former X Factor judge Rita Ora flooded social media with tributes.
Taking to Instagram, 22-year-old Liam posted a picture of a rainbow flag.
He captioned it: “My thoughts and prayers go out to Orlando and the lgbt community today, such a senseless tragedy #prayfororlando.”
Echoing his sentiments, Hot Right Now singer Rita, 25, shared a picture of a rainbow heart with the hashtag “’PrayForOrlando” written inside it.
Meanwhile, Price Tag hitmaker Jessie J, 28, uploaded a black and white photo showing steps which read “peace, love, no violence, no homophobia, no sexism, no racism.”
The openly bi-sexual star wrote alongside it: “So hard to find the right words when an act of such deep hate is carried out on innocent, happy, free and loving souls.
guns
“My thoughts, my prayers, my love are with those who lost their lives in Orlando. And to the families and friends who must be so lost right now.“
Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating simply posted the word “Orlando” written in multi-coloured lettering.