Tensions rose on the Cannes red carpet when Denzel Washington unexpectedly turned the limelight away from himself and onto a photographer. What was supposed to be a spectacular premiere for Highest 2 Lowest soon turned sour as the Hollywood celebrity confronted someone in front of the entire world.
Lip Reader exposes
Denzel Washington was not happy when a photographer crossed the line at the Cannes Film Festival, which is now taking place on the French Riviera. On May 19, the Hollywood star was strolling beside co-star A$AP Rocky at the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest when something plainly upset him.
According to various publications, one of the photographers tugged on Washington’s suit jacket, which appeared to spark the entire argument. The Daily Mail later enlisted lip-reading specialist Jeremy Freeman to interpret the heated argument. According to Freeman, Washington turned toward the photographers and said,
“Hey, one more time, please stop. Let me tell you: never put your hands on me again.
Washington also gestured at the man, who unexpectedly smiled back, seemingly disregarding the actor’s caution. “I’m talking to you, so stop,” Washington added. According to Freeman, the photographer replied, “Not allowed,” before laughing and responding, “Yes, yes, yes.”
Things heated up even further when, according to Freeman, the same photographer grabbed Washington and said, “Can I take a picture?” Washington was allegedly frustrated and cried, “Stop, stop, stop.” I mean it. Stop it.
Internet response
The video of the incident has already gone viral on social media, with many backing the Oscar-winning actor. One user commented, “He plainly stated, ‘Don’t ever put your hands on me again,’ and then did it again to provoke him into a moment. YUCK.”
Another said, “Like Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington is not known for going off the handle. It takes a lot to get him off. I mean, you can’t keep pressuring the dude to take a picture.”
A third remarked, “I don’t understand that stuff. These individuals are constantly grabbing people and demanding things. Not a life I’d ever want; I saw how Denzel reacted and give him a complete pass.”
Of course, there were jokes on the internet, such as “Denzel ‘UNHAND ME’ Washington lol.” Denzel Washington’s unpleasant encounter with a photographer was not the only news he created at Cannes; the renowned actor was also recognized in a significant way.
Just before the screening of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, festival director Thierry Frémaux presented Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or, a rare acknowledgment of his cinematic achievements.
“Today is a really wonderful day. Denzel, because you’re here, we want to do something special for you. … It’s a chance for us to express our admiration for what you’ve accomplished in film. Nobody knows about it except Spike Lee, who asked me to do it,” Frémaux told Deadline.
Clearly moved, Denzel stated, “I’m a little emotional, but I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone. We are truly blessed beyond measure, and so am I.
Whether you see it as justified self-defense or an overreaction, one thing’s for sure — Denzel Washington doesn’t play when it comes to personal space.
Was the photographer out of line, or should celebrities expect this kind of chaos at high-profile events like Cannes? Let us know what you think: Was Denzel right to call him out, or did the moment get blown out of proportion?