During the Tony Awards ceremony, actress Denée Benton referred to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the "Grand Wizard," invoking the title of a Ku Klux Klan leader. This remark, made while Benton was presenting an award, drew a strong reaction from the audience.

Benton, known for her role in "Natasha and Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," made the comment before introducing an award recipient from Plantation, Florida. She expressed certainty that DeSantis would want to change the town's name.

This incident follows other instances of political commentary at the Tony Awards, including Robert de Niro's use of an expletive directed at former President Trump in 2018.

DeSantis has been involved in various cultural debates, particularly those concerning education and parental rights. He recently signed legislation restricting the use of state funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public universities, and has expanded school choice in Florida. These actions have drawn criticism from organizations like the NAACP, which issued a travel advisory for Florida, citing DeSantis' policies as hostile towards minority groups.

Since launching his presidential campaign, DeSantis has pledged to continue his focus on what he terms "woke" ideology. Fox News reached out to DeSantis' office for comment on Benton's remarks.