Richard Dreyfuss Sparks Outrage, Massachusetts Theater Apologizes for Inflammatory Remarks at ‘Jaws’ Screening
May 27, 2024
Beverly, Mass. – An event celebrating the iconic film “Jaws” took a controversial turn on Saturday evening when actor Richard Dreyfuss made inflammatory remarks during a post-screening Q&A session. Dreyfuss’s comments reportedly included derogatory statements about trans people, Barbra Streisand, and women in general.
The Cabot Theatre, where the screening was held, issued a formal apology on Sunday, expressing regret for not anticipating the provocative nature of Dreyfuss’s remarks. “We take full responsibility for the oversight in not anticipating the direction of the conversation and for the discomfort it caused to many patrons,” said Cabot executive director J. Casey Soward in a statement.
Audience Outrage and Walkouts
According to attendees, Dreyfuss’s comments were met with visible upset and anger. Dozens of patrons reportedly walked out of the theater in protest. “I am deeply disappointed and outraged by the vile, dehumanizing, and abhorrent things Mr. Dreyfuss said about trans youth, LGBTQ+ people, women, and survivors of sexual violence,” wrote one attendee in a Facebook post.
A young family with a 10-year-old daughter was among those who left the screening. “We couldn’t believe what we were hearing,” said the mother. “It was like he was spewing hate speech.”
Calls for Accountability and Dialogue
Local and national LGBTQ+ organizations swiftly condemned Dreyfuss’s remarks, calling for accountability and a dialogue on the harmful rhetoric surrounding trans and gender-diverse individuals. “Dreyfuss’s comments perpetuate dangerous stereotypes and contribute to a climate of discrimination and violence,” said a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.
The incident has sparked a conversation about the responsibility of event organizers to address potentially controversial speech, as well as the ongoing need to promote inclusivity and respect in public forums.
Dreyfuss’s Past Controversies and Lack of Response
In recent years, Dreyfuss has come under fire for his public statements on various political and social issues. Notably, he has been criticized for opposing diversity requirements at the Oscars and expressing support for the use of Blackface in certain contexts.
As of Monday, Dreyfuss had not publicly commented on the controversy surrounding his remarks at the “Jaws” screening. Representatives for the Cabot Theatre declined to comment further on the matter.
Continued Commitment to Inclusivity
In their apology, the Cabot Theatre reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all community members. The theater plans to review its event planning protocols and communication strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We believe that open dialogue and respectful discourse are essential for a strong and vibrant community,” Soward said. “We will continue to work to create a space where everyone feels valued and respected.”