A video of Denzel Washington facing off with a photographer during the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival is making the rounds online; and most people on the internet appear to be on the Oscar-winning actor’s side!
In the now-viral video, the 70-year-old actor can be seen walking the red carpet for the premiere of his film Highest 2 Lowest on Monday, May 19th. At one point, he can be seen speaking with director Spike Lee when a photographer appears to grab his arm in an attempt to get his attention. Check out the video here.
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Denzel Washington Gets Into Heated Exchange With Photographer At The Cannes Film Festival
According to the Daily Mail, lip reader Jeremy Freeman interpreted the now-viral exchange, and the Fences actor apparently tells the photographer: "Hey, one, one more time, stop." As per the lip reader, Washington then adds: "Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again."
The photographer appears to smile during the tense moment, while the Malcolm X star can reportedly be heard saying: "I'm talking to you, stop, alright?" The photographer allegedly responds with something like "Not allowed" and "Yes, yes, yes," while laughing.
He then grabs the Training Day actor again and asks, "Can I take a picture?" That's when Washington, clearly exasperated, says: "Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it."
Fans Defend Denzel Washington On Social Media
"I don't care what happened Denzel is right!" exclaimed one fan in the comment section of an Instagram video of the incident. "It's Denzel! We don't care what the argument was about. WE RIDE AT DAWN. Matter of fact let's go now!" added a second in agreement, as a third asked: "Why would he think he could touch Denzel Washington?"
"These camera ppl don't respect personal space. I understand you want your perfect shot but stop touching and grabbing on ppl. It's annoying and ppl are bound to snap," commented a fourth. "People act like celebrities aren't people. Stop putting your hands on strangers. It's weird and violation period," wrote a fourth in his defense.
The comments continued over on X. "I don't need to know what happened. I'm on Denzel's side," wrote one supportive fan in his defense, as a second added: "Keep your hands off people. It's that simple." "It's obvious he didn't want to be touched, yet he was touched again, and then the guy grabbed his arm to hold him in place. What was that?!" asked a third confused fan.
"Keep your hands to yourself. Simple. Photog was very rude and was told to stop," agreed a fourth, as a fifth added: "Don't mess with Denzel. He's a gold soul." "Why do y'all insist on touching this man? Leave him alone," urged a sixth.
