James Corden opens Tony Awards with moving words about Orlando shooting

Annie Colbert
Updated
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"Hate will never win."

James Corden opened the 2016 Tony Awards with poignant words, addressing the Orlando mass shooting that happened just hours before the curtain rose on Broadway's biggest night. With his back to the theater audience, Corden addressed television viewers with a somber message. 

SEE ALSO: How to help the survivors and victims of the Orlando mass shooting

"To those affected by this atrocity, all we can say is that you are not on your own right now," Corden said. "Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theater is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved. Hate will never win. Together we will make sure of that. Tonight's show stands as a symbol and celebration of that principle. This is the Tony Awards."