Tensions flared on the red carpet at Cannes as Denzel Washington abruptly halted the spotlight — turning it on a photographer instead.
What was meant to be a glamorous premiere for Highest 2 Lowest quickly took a sharp turn when the Hollywood icon called someone out in front of the world.
Lip reader reveals
Actor Denzel Washington was anything but pleased when a photographer crossed the line during the Cannes Film Festival, currently taking place on the French Riviera.
The Hollywood star was walking alongside co-star A$AP Rocky at the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest on May 19 when something happened that clearly set him off.
According to multiple outlets, one of the photographers tugged on Washington’s suit jacket — and that small move seemed to trigger the entire confrontation.
The Daily Mail later brought in lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman to decode the fiery exchange. According to Freeman, Washington turned to the photographers and said:
“Hey, one – one more time, stop. Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again.”
Washington also pointed his finger at the man, who, shockingly, smiled back — seemingly not taking the actor’s warning seriously.
“I’m talking to you, stop, all right,” Washington added.
Freeman claimed the photographer responded with “not allowed” before laughing and saying: “Yes, yes, yes.”
Things escalated even more when, according to Freeman, the same photographer grabbed at Washington again and asked, “Can I take a picture?”
Trying to hold back his frustration, Washington reportedly shouted:
“Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”
Internet reacts
Video of the confrontation has since blown up on social media, with many defending the Oscar-winning actor.
One user commented: “He clearly said ‘don’t ever put your hands on me again’ and he did it again to provoke him into a moment. YUCK.”
Another chimed in: ”Like Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington is not known for flying off the handle. It takes a lot to set him off. I mean, you can’t keep tugging at the man to take a pic.”
A third said: “I don’t get that stuff. These folks are around people all day, every day grabbing at them and asking them for stuff. Not a life I’d ever want, I see stuff like how Denzel reacted and I give him the total pass.”
And of course, the internet had jokes: “Denzel ‘UNHAND ME’ Washington lol.”
Denzel Washington’s tense run-in with a photographer wasn’t the only headline he made at Cannes — the iconic actor was also honored in a major way.
Just before the premiere of his new film Highest 2 Lowest, festival director Thierry Frémaux surprised Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or, a rare tribute celebrating his legacy in cinema.
“It’s a very special day. Denzel, because you are here, we want to make something special for you. … It’s a kind of way for us to tell you our adoration, what you have done in cinema. Nobody knows about that except Spike Lee, who wrote me to do that,” Frémaux said, according to Deadline.
Clearly moved, Denzel said:
“I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure.”
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?