Schools
Director Tom Shadyac Raises Eyebrows with Colorful Speech to Malibu Grads
Tom Shadyac, who has a flare for being unpredictable, leaves some offended and others laughing uncontrollably at the Malibu High School graduation.
Graduations are usually known for their pomp and circumstance, but Director Tom Shadyac's colorful speech to graduates at Malibu High School Monday took an unconventional turn.
Shadyac, who is known for his films "Liar, Liar" and "Bruce Almighty," started off his speech with an expletive, followed by 10 minutes of lewd jokes that had some raising their eyebrows and others laughing uncontrollably.
Wearing a black robe, and a Pepperdine University ball cap, Shadyac, who lives in Paradise Cove, joked about his attire.
"This cord is supposed to mean I have a masters degree. I don't," Shadyac said. "... I have masturbated."
He added that he doesn't believe in VIP, which he said means "very ignorant perspective." He also asked for applause for parents who "had unprotected sex" to bring the graduates into the world.
Shadyac, who wrote for comedian Bob Hope early in his career, seemed to recast his humor toward the end, thanking the crowd for putting up with "these crazy jokes."
He also took a serious turn, using props to encourage students to "rock the story that is your life," encouraging them to live a life of service and courage. Shadyac, who is an adjunct professor of communication at Pepperdine's Seaver College, encouraged students to go serve those less fortunate in the inner city.
"Malibu families cannot stop at PCH and Topanga," he said. Shadyac gave up his Hollywood lifestyle, and joined the Pepperdine faculty to share his passion with talented young filmmakers, according to Pepperdine Magazine.
One attendee, who identified herself as Sandra Peltola on Malibu Patch, wrote that she was offended by the speech.
"His jokes were insulting and lewd; not material for a graduation speech," Peltola said. "I am surprised the administration allowed his line of humor and cursing. Not a good example of public speaking, best to keep that in a bar or comedy club."
At the end of Shadyac's speech, only about half of the administrators, faculty and Malibu council members on the stage stood and clapped. Apparently some didn't realize Shadyac has a reputation for being unpredictable.
What did you think of Shadyac's speech? Were you offended, or did you find it humorous? Tell us in the comments.
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