Richard Dreyfuss interview turns awkward when Lisa Wilkinson grills him on sexual abuse in Hollywood

The Project left fans cringing Hollywood legends Richard Dreyfuss and Kathleen Turner an awkward interview on The Project on Sunday.

Things started off in a lighthearted fashion with the panel asking the two actors about their experience attending the Supanova Comic Con And Gaming convention in Sydney.

But the interview took an awkward turn when the topic abruptly shifted towards sexual abuse in Hollywood.  

Took a turn for the awkward: Richard and Kathleen’s interview on The Project on Sunday started about Supanova but quickly shifted towards sexual abuse in Hollywood

Responding to a question regarding the misogynistic attitudes towards women in Hollywood and how it is changing in the wake of the #MeToo movement, Kathleen commented: ‘Contempt for women or inherent assumption of women as lower class citizens is universal.’  

Host Lisa Wilkinson then asked Richard about a recent controversial statement he made previously made in response to a colleague calling him out for his past inappropriate behaviour.

Richard answered by saying that past actions ‘revolted’ him in the past before explaining that he was a ‘lowdown dirty dog’ during his early Hollywood years in the late 70s to early 80s. 

‘I was a lowdown dirty dog’: While admitting that he was ashamed of his past behaviour, Richard explained that his actions were ‘culturally supported’

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While admitting that he was ashamed of his past behaviour, Richard explained that his actions were ‘culturally supported’ and women all know but simply ‘didn’t want to remember it that way.’

As Kathleen visibly struggled to interject her own thoughts about the topic, the actor then shared his view on the recent slate of accusations due to the #MeToo movement.

Richard says that people ‘shouldn’t accused someone of a crime before the crime has been defined.’ 

Comments: The actor commented that people ‘shouldn’t accused someone of a crime before the crime has been defined’ in regards to the recent slate of accusations due to the #MeToo movement

Can’t get a word in: As Richard shared his thoughts on the #MeToo movement, Kathleen visibly struggled to interject her own thoughts about the topic

The Jaws actor then attempted to defend disgraced US senator Al Franken, who was recently pressured to step down from his position due to sexual misconduct allegations.

Host Tommy Little then cut Richard off mid-sentence as they were ‘running out of time’ but quickly gave Kathleen the chance to share her thoughts about the topic.

The actress said that while the #MeToo movement is fantastic for women speaking out, she believes that organisations set up to offer aid for women unable to afford lawyers to defend themselves are more important. 

Cut: Host Tommy Little cut Richard off mid-sentence as they were ‘running out of time’ but quickly gave Kathleen the chance to share her thoughts about the topic

As the awkward interview unfolded on The Project, viewers took to Twitter to slam the segment.

Some viewers weren’t particularly pleased with the change of topic from Supanova to the #MeToo movement, while others believed the hosts were rude for cutting off Richard and Kathleen mid-sentence.

One person wrote: ‘Damaging your winning recipe there, [The Project]. Inviting guests, placing them at the end of the show, then cutting them off… really poor form and rude.’

‘I’m no way endorsing any of Mr Dreyfuss’s actions or comments in any way but I thought that last segment was about Supernova not blindsiding one of the guests,’ wrote another viewer.  

‘Bit awkward’: Viewers weren’t happy at how Richard and Kathleen’s interview unfolded on The Project, taking to Twitter to share their thoughts