Beverly, Massachusetts – The Cabot Theater in Massachusetts issued a statement expressing regret for the remarks made by actor Richard Dreyfuss during a special screening of the iconic movie “Jaws” at the start of the summer. The event, which took place on Saturday, featured Dreyfuss in a Q&A session as part of the screening of the 1975 classic directed by Steven Spielberg.
During the event, witnesses reported that Dreyfuss touched upon various sensitive topics like Barbra Streisand, transgender individuals, and women, utilizing language that the Cabot Executive Director J. Casey Soward stated did not align with the organization’s values of inclusivity and respect. Video footage confirmed Dreyfuss wearing a breakaway dress, which was later removed by stagehands to reveal him in more traditional attire, accompanied by the use of a cane.
The sold-out evening, named “An evening with Richard Dreyfuss + Jaws screening,” took place at the Cabot Theater in Beverly, located about 23 miles north of Boston. Despite the anticipation of a memorable event, some attendees who paid $300 for tickets and a meet-and-greet with Dreyfuss felt dismayed by his alleged disparaging remarks regarding women in the film industry, the MeToo movement, and LGBTQ rights.
In response to the incident, the Cabot Theater stated their serious concerns and regrets about the impact the event had on their patrons. The venue expressed remorse that an event intended to celebrate an iconic film became a platform for political views instead. This marks a notable instance in a recent history of controversial statements made by Dreyfuss, including his criticism of diversity and inclusion standards set for the Oscars last year.
While the purported remarks from Dreyfuss at the screening drew both support and criticism, it has ignited a conversation around the actor’s past controversial statements and his freedom to express personal opinions. Dreyfuss, known for his breakout role in the 1973 film “American Graffiti,” and his portrayal of a marine biologist in “Jaws,” has been vocal about his views on education, politics, privacy, freedom of speech, democracy, and individual accountability.
The incident has sparked discussions about the role of public figures in sharing their personal beliefs and values during public events, highlighting the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility. The response to Dreyfuss’ comments serves as a reminder of the impact that public figures can have on their audience and the importance of respectful dialogue in public settings.