“Parade” director Michael Arden’s defiant message to his homophobic high school bullies: “I’m a faggot with a Tony!”

Parade‘s Michael Arden had everyone on their feet at the Tony Awards tonight with his mic-drop of an acceptance speech for Best Direction of a Musical — his first Tony win: “Growing up, I was called the F-word more times than I can remember,” he said. “And all I can say now is that I’m a faggot with a Tony!”