Richard Dreyfuss accused of sexist and homophobic rant during screening of Jaws

Hollywood star Richard Dreyfuss is facing backlash after engaging in a sexist and homophobic rant during a special screening of Jaws.

Saturday’s event, “An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss,” at the Cabot Performing Arts Center, in Beverly, Mass., was billed as a screening of the 1975 film and a discussion with the actor who starred in it.

However, those who attended the event reported online that the Oscar winner used sexist and homophobic language, prompting more than a dozen people to walk out.

One wrote in response to a Facebook post from Cabot: “We left his interview tonight along with hundreds of others because of his racist, homophobic and misogynistic rant. »

Another participant suggested the event be renamed “An Evening of Misogyny and Homophobia with Richard Dreyfuss.” “Being disappointing doesn’t even cover it,” the person posted.

According to another social media user, who said his girlfriend’s parents were present at the event, Dreyfuss made offensive remarks, including derogatory comments about Barbara Streisand, his co-star in the 1987 thriller Nuts. He also reportedly described director Steven Spielberg as “a genius but an idiot.”

According to user insulted, then literally insulted all women. Then he insulted trans kids, I can’t even begin to say how terrible that was.

Some people reportedly booed the actor and then left, they added.

The independent contacted Dreyfuss representatives for comment on the incident.

In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter On Monday, the Cabot Performing Arts Center apologized to attendees.

“We are aware of and share serious concerns following the recent incident with Richard Dreyfuss before the screening of Jaws at the Cabot.

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“The opinions expressed by Mr. Dreyfuss do not reflect the values ​​of inclusion and respect that we uphold as an organization. We deeply regret the distress this has caused many of our customers. »

The statement continued: “We regret that an event that was meant to be a conversation to celebrate an iconic film has become a platform for political views. We take full responsibility for the oversight due to not anticipating the direction of the conversation and the discomfort it caused many customers.

“We are in active dialogue with our guests about their experience and are committed to learning from this event how to better implement our mission to entertain, educate and inspire our community.”

The independent has contacted The Cabot for comment.

Dreyfuss played in Jaws alongside Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, was nominated for Best Picture at the 1976 Academy Awards. The actor is also known for his performances in other hit films of the 70s like American Graffiti and Close Encounters of a Third Kind, also made by Spielberg.