A Night Gone Awry

The Incident Unfolds

A theater in Beverly, Massachusetts, finds itself in hot water after hosting a screening event that turned sour. The special screening of the iconic movie “Jaws” took an unexpected turn when actor Richard Dreyfuss allegedly embarked on a tirade filled with transphobic, misogynistic, homophobic, and sexist remarks.

 

Apology from the Cabot Theater

The Cabot theater, the venue for the event, issued a public apology, taking full responsibility for the debacle that occurred during Saturday’s screening titled “An Evening With Richard Dreyfuss + Jaws Screening.”

 

Audience Discontent

Unmet Expectations

Attendees, who reportedly paid around $300 per ticket, were left disillusioned by the event. Instead of the anticipated cinematic experience, they were subjected to a hate-filled diatribe by Dreyfuss, disparaging women in film, the #MeToo movement, and LGBTQ rights.

 

Escalating Rant

What began as a speech referencing Barbra Streisand quickly escalated into what the Hollywood Reporter described as “bigoted opinions” on transgender individuals. Dreyfuss also criticized the Academy Awards for their inclusivity and diversity guidelines.

 

Personal Impact

Walkouts and Discomfort

Sarah Hogg and their partner, Jonah Hoffmann, were among the audience members who walked out in response to Dreyfuss’s offensive remarks. Hogg, who identifies as queer and nonbinary, expressed feeling deeply affected by the incident, describing it as a horrifying experience.

 

Emotional Toll

The uncomfortable atmosphere prompted many attendees, including Hogg and Hoffmann, to leave the event prematurely. Hogg emphasized the personal nature of the situation, reflecting on the distress caused by Dreyfuss’s discriminatory rhetoric.

 

The incident at the Cabot theater serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering inclusive and respectful environments, particularly in public settings. Such instances highlight the need for accountability and sensitivity in the entertainment industry.