At a May 2024 Jaws screening and Q&A at The Cabot in Beverly, Massachusetts, remarks by Richard Dreyfuss on film and LGBTQ+ issues drew criticism, and some attendees left. The venue later apologized, saying his comments did not reflect its values of inclusivity and respect.
What happened at the Jaws event?
The Cabot hosted the event around a screening of Jaws, the 1975 film in which Dreyfuss played marine biologist Matt Hooper. The Q&A was expected to be lighthearted, but reporting by the Associated Press and ABC News Australia says discussion ranged beyond the movie.
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Those reports describe remarks touching on women in film, the #MeToo movement, transgender youths, LGBTQ+ rights and the Academy Awards’ inclusivity efforts. They also report that some audience members walked out during the discussion. The coverage does not establish a reliable count of how many people left.
Why did The Cabot apologize?
The Cabot said Dreyfuss’s comments conflicted with the venue’s values and were distressing and offensive to many community members. Its statement, reproduced by the Associated Press and ABC News Australia, read: “We deeply regret that Mr. Dreyfuss’s comments during the event were not in line with the values of inclusivity and respect that we uphold at The Cabot. We understand that his remarks were distressing and offensive to many of our community members, and for that, we sincerely apologize.”
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The Cabot’s apology represents the venue’s response and characterization of the remarks. The Associated Press also reported that the venue’s email made clear it did not endorse Dreyfuss’s opinions.
What did Richard Dreyfuss say?
Published accounts summarize the subjects of the Q&A but do not provide a complete, verified transcript. The Associated Press also reported Dreyfuss making comments about civics education, including: “we have no knowledge of who the hell we are,” and “If we don’t get it back soon, we’re all going to die.” These quotations are attributed to AP’s account of the event; they should not be mistaken for a full record of everything said.
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Because the available coverage relies on summaries, selected quotations and attendee accounts, more specific paraphrases should be treated cautiously unless supported by a recording or transcript. ITV’s May 28 report explicitly framed some details as reported or based on social-media accounts.
Did Dreyfuss respond to the controversy?
ITV reported on May 28, 2024, that Dreyfuss had not commented on the incident at that time. That is a time-specific account, not evidence that he never responded afterward. ABC News Australia reported that his son Ben said he had not attended the event and was not in a position to judge what was said; that was Ben Dreyfuss’s comment, not a response from Richard Dreyfuss.
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Where and when was the event?
The event took place at The Cabot in Beverly, Massachusetts, in May 2024. The Associated Press published its report on May 28, 2024, and ABC News Australia followed on May 29. The reporting considered here does not establish a precise event date, so it is safest to describe it as a May 2024 appearance.
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