A member of the paparazzi at the Cannes Film Festival received a stern rebuke from Denzel Washington after apparently tugging at the actor’s suit jacket—the kind of confrontation that few would want to experience, as those familiar with Washington’s occasional assertiveness could attest.
The acclaimed two-time Academy Award recipient engaged in a heated exchange with the photographer during his red carpet appearance yesterday (May 19), while walking alongside fellow cast members from his latest cinematic project “Highest 2 Lowest.”
The altercation developed when the photographer reached across the security barrier to grab the attention of the 70-year-old star, visibly irritating Washington.
When the veteran actor approached the individual, gesturing emphatically while instructing him not to repeat such behavior, the photographer—still smiling—provocatively did exactly that again.
Professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman provided his interpretation of Washington’s words to a media outlet.
“Let me tell you—stop, stop—never put your hands on me again. I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”
Freeman indicated that the photographer appeared to respond with the phrase “not allowed” before laughing and adding: “Yes, yes, yes.”
Seemingly misreading Washington’s serious tone, the persistent photographer once more reached toward the “Training Day” star while asking: “Can I take a picture?”
Washington, evidently working to maintain his composure, brushed off the physical contact while firmly responding: “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”
This incident brings to mind a reported early 2000s encounter when Washington allegedly expressed strong disapproval toward Sean Combs during a social gathering attended by Washington’s wife.
A source with connections to Combs revealed to a publication: “[Washington and his wife, Pauletta] had been partying until dawn [with Combs], and they had seen something and stormed out.”
Just before the “Equalizer” star departed the nightclub, he reportedly delivered a pointed criticism to the music executive.
The insider disclosed: “Denzel screamed, ‘You don’t respect anyone’.”
Media outlets have previously contacted representatives for both Combs and Washington requesting comment regarding this historical incident.
Combs currently faces serious federal charges including racketeering and sex trafficking through force, fraud or coercion—allegations he continues to deny.
The legal documents claim Combs and associates in his business network “wielded the power and prestige of Combs’ role at the Combs Business to intimidate, threaten and lure female victims into Combs’ orbit, often under the pretence of a romantic relationship.”
With “assistance of members and associates,” the indictment alleges Combs “transported commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally” and “then used force, threats of force, and coercion, to cause victims to engage in extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers that Combs referred to as, among other things, ‘freak offs’.”