Pussycat Dolls entertainer was criticized for inquiring about Russell Brand's MAGA-inspired "Make Jesus First Again" hat on Instagram."Who is it? Nicole?" Escola asked while on stage in front of reporters in New York City,

Bernadette Peters should be proud of Cole Escola’s big night at the 2025 Tony Awards—in more ways than one.Last night, Escola—who won their first Tony Award for best actor in a play for Oh Mary! —wowed on the Tony Awards red carpet in ice blue metallic corset gown from Wiederhoeft.

Cole Escola accepts the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play award for "Oh, Mary!" from Sarah Paulson and Jean Smart during The 78th Annual Tony Awards on June 08, 2025. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)