A Massachusetts theater has issued an apology after actor Richard Dreyfuss went on a homophobic rant at a chat held in conjunction with a screening of his classic movie 'Jaws.'
Dreyfuss came on stage dancing in a dress for the appearance at the Cabot in Beverley, Massachusetts.
In his comments, he complained about the #MeToo movement, transgender children and even his former 'Nuts' co-star, Barbra Streisand.
He attacked children who questioned their sexuality.
Society "shouldn't be listening to some 10-year-old who says they want to be a boy instead of a girl," one audience member said Dreyfuss said, the Daily Mail reported.
He complained about Streisand and said 'Nuts' "sucked" and blamed "passive women."
In a video posted on YouTube, Dreyfuss was heard telling the crowd, "We have to make sure that your kids are not the last generation of Americans, and you know exactly what I'm talking about."
People started booing Dreyfuss and some left before the movie started.
Kyle Fiske said he was at the event and didn't understand why people left.
"It's a sad state of affairs where people are so emotional and sanctimonious that they can't even stay in the same room with someone they disagree with," he posted on The Cabot's Facebook page.
Others too issue with that comment.
Beth Carroll responded, "Kyle Fiske not sanctimonious. i chose to leave because i choose not to support people who think i shouldn't have equal rights or that my friends should not exist."
The Cabot sent an apology letter to attendees according to Deadline.
It said, "We are aware of, and share serious concerns, following the recent event with Richard Dreyfuss prior to a screening of the film Jaws at The Cabot. The views expressed by Mr. Dreyfuss do not reflect the values of inclusivity and respect that we uphold as an organization. We deeply regret the distress that this has caused to many of our patrons."
Dreyfuss's son reacted to the controversy in a post on X.
Re: my father: well, now you know why I refused to give him the password to his own twitter account for a decade lol
— Ben Dreyfuss (@bendreyfuss) May 28, 2024
"Wow, just looked at my phone and learned about the disgusting outrageous behavior of one of my relatives," Ben Dreyfuss posted.
He went on to say "Re: My father, well, now you know why I refused to give him the password to his own Twitter account for a decade lol."
Ben 'Dreyfuss ended with, "This will be my only statement on the matter."
