Beverly, Massachusetts – A cinema in Beverly, Massachusetts has issued an apology to attendees of a special screening of Jaws and a subsequent Q&A session with actor Richard Dreyfuss. The apology follows reports of Dreyfuss making sexist and transphobic comments during the event at the Cabot theatre on May 25th.
Dreyfuss, known for his role in Jaws, made a controversial entrance at the event, wearing a house dress and dancing to Taylor Swift’s Love Story. He then reportedly made disparaging remarks about Barbra Streisand, the parents of transgender teenagers, and criticized the Academy’s new inclusivity regulations. According to social media posts, Dreyfuss referred to Streisand as a “genius” but questioned her authority due to being a woman.
Reports from Deadline and The Boston Globe indicate that Dreyfuss also made offensive comments about transgender youth, labeling their decisions to transition as “bad parenting” and suggesting that they might change their minds in the future. Despite the backlash, a video from the event showed Dreyfuss receiving applause from the audience when he spoke about the importance of critical thinking.
Following the event, numerous attendees took to social media to express their discomfort and disappointment with Dreyfuss’ behavior. Some audience members walked out of the event in protest, citing Dreyfuss’ remarks as racist, homophobic, and misogynistic. The Cabot theatre released a statement on May 27th, acknowledging the concerns raised by patrons and expressing regret for the distress caused.
In the statement, the venue emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and respect, noting that Dreyfuss’ views did not align with the organization’s values. They took responsibility for the oversight in allowing the event to become a platform for controversial opinions rather than a celebration of an iconic movie.
Dreyfuss is known for his award-winning performances in films such as The Goodbye Girl and Mr. Holland’s Opus. Despite his accolades, the recent incident has sparked further discussion about accountability and respect within the entertainment industry. Critics have pointed out Dreyfuss’ history of outspoken opinions on diversity and inclusion, raising questions about the intersection of art and social responsibility.