Beverly, Massachusetts – Richard Dreyfuss stirred controversy at a Massachusetts holiday weekend screening of “Jaws” at The Cabot theater in Beverly. The actor took the stage in a housedress, swinging his cane like a baseball bat, before delivering a rant described as transphobic, sexist, and homophobic by attendees.
Attendees expressed their outrage on social media, criticizing The Cabot for not vetting Dreyfuss’s act more thoroughly. One attendee mentioned Dreyfuss’s reputation for making racist, homophobic, and misogynistic remarks. The incident took place prior to the film screening on a Saturday night.
A brief YouTube video captured Dreyfuss’s actions on stage, where he wore a floral print dress and made mocking gestures. The video showed him wielding his cane like a baseball bat towards the crowd, adding to the controversy surrounding his behavior.
In response, The Cabot issued an apology to attendees, acknowledging their concerns and regretting the distress caused by Dreyfuss’s remarks. The venue emphasized that Dreyfuss’s views did not align with their values of inclusivity and respect, promising to learn from the incident to better serve their community.
Despite the apology, some attendees demanded a refund for the event, expressing disappointment over not receiving the experience they paid for. Dreyfuss also faced criticism for similar remarks made at a screening in New Hampshire on a different occasion.
The actor’s controversial remarks are not new, as he has been outspoken on various issues, including Oscar inclusivity rules and transgender rights. Dreyfuss’s behavior at The Cabot screening has sparked discussions on the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of their words on audiences.
As the incident continues to generate debate and criticism, The Cabot and representatives for Dreyfuss have yet to provide additional comments on the matter. The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect in public forums, especially when addressing sensitive topics.