Additional Coverage:
Denzel Washington Confronts Photographer at Cannes Film Festival
Cannes, France – A red carpet encounter between two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and a photographer at the 78th Cannes Film Festival has sparked online debate. The incident, captured on video during the premiere of Washington’s film Highest 2 Lowest, shows a tense exchange between the actor and the photographer.
Washington, 70, was speaking with director Spike Lee when the photographer seemingly attempted to get his attention by grabbing his arm. A lip reader, analyzing the footage, interpreted Washington’s words as a firm rebuke: “Hey, one, one more time, stop…Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again.”
The photographer’s response, which included laughter and further attempts to engage with Washington, escalated the situation. Despite the actor’s repeated requests to “Stop,” the photographer persisted, even asking, “Can I take a picture?” after physically grabbing Washington again.
The video quickly went viral, with a groundswell of support for Washington emerging on social media platforms. Fans defended the actor’s reaction, citing the photographer’s disregard for personal space.
Comments ranged from, “I don’t care what happened Denzel is right!” to more pointed observations about the importance of respecting boundaries, even with celebrities.
The consensus online appears to be a firm agreement with the sentiment: “Keep your hands to yourself.”