Richard Dreyfuss, star of the iconic film Jaws, faced backlash after making offensive comments at a screening event for the movie at the Cabot Theater in Beverly, Massachusetts. Attendees walked out due to remarks that were described as racist, homophobic, and misogynistic. Dreyfuss’s comments included criticisms of Barbra Streisand, the #MeToo movement, and transgender individuals affirming their gender. The Cabot issued an apology to attendees, acknowledging the distress caused by the actor’s remarks and stating that they do not reflect the organization’s values of inclusivity and respect.
One attendee took to social media to express their disappointment in Dreyfuss’s behavior, while another questioned if he had been “cancelled” following the event. Video footage from the screening showed Dreyfuss taking the stage wearing a dress over his clothes, though it is unclear how this behavior related to his controversial comments. The Cabot expressed regret over the direction the conversation took during the event, noting that it was meant to be a celebration of an iconic movie, but instead became a platform for political views. The venue took responsibility for not anticipating the nature of the discussion and the discomfort it caused to patrons.
In addition to the recent controversy, Dreyfuss had previously criticized the Academy Awards’ new diversity and inclusion rules for Best Picture candidates. These rules require movies to meet specific criteria aimed at increasing representation of marginalized groups both on and off camera. Dreyfuss publicly stated that these requirements made him “vomit,” arguing that as an artist, he should not be told to conform to changing ideas of morality. The actor’s stance on this issue, along with his recent behavior at the Cabot event, has drawn further scrutiny and raised concerns among fans and industry professionals.
Representatives for Richard Dreyfuss and The Cabot were contacted for comment, but it is unclear if any response was provided. The backlash against Dreyfuss highlights the ongoing conversations around inclusion and respect in the entertainment industry, as well as the challenges faced by public figures when making controversial statements. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting diversity and creating spaces that are welcoming and supportive for all individuals, both in the film industry and in broader society.
