Richard Dreyfuss Slams ABC for Refusing to Name Big Banks in ‘Madoff’ Miniseries

Richard Dreyfuss is slamming ABC for refusing to name all the big banks involved with disgraced financier Bernie Madoff in its February miniseries about the architect of the most notorious pyramid scheme of the 1980s.

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar winner, who returned to the spotlight to tackle the title role in Madoff, lambasts the network’s standards and practices department. “They were afraid [the banks] would sue,” Dreyfuss says. “And I said, ‘Not only will they not sue us — because if they did, they would have to open their books — but we should be standing on the street corner, inviting their lawsuits.'”

The actor also says ABC failed to promote Madoff when it was rebroadcast in May. “They didn’t advertise, which was a pretty stupid corporate decision,” he goes on. “ABC, which in the ‘80s really did deserve bragging rights for some pretty extraordinary television, is not the same organization it had been.”

ABC declined to comment on the record, while a network source pointed out that Madoff mentioned at least one major bank.

This story first appeared in the June 24 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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