• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Denzel Washington speaks out after shouting at photographer during heated exchange at Cannes before skipping event

Home> Film & TV> News

Updated 11:23 21 May 2025 GMT+1Published 10:58 21 May 2025 GMT+1

Denzel Washington speaks out after shouting at photographer during heated exchange at Cannes before skipping event

The actor's representatives have issued a statement about Washington's abrupt departure from Cannes

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

Denzel Washington has spoken out after he shouted at a photographer during a heated exchange at Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.

In a very public confrontation, Washington appeared to call out a photographer while he was attending the premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19.

While walking with co-star A$AP Rocky, Washington was pulled on his suit jacket by one of the photographers. The actor could be seen shouting and pointing his finger at the photographer, as the exchange seemed quite tense.

Advert

Shortly after, Washington was notably absent from a press conference – an absence that left many people wondering whether it was because of the heated red carpet interaction.

But apparently, Washington was never planning on attending the press conference, as Monday was the actor's only day off from the Broadway production of Othello.

A representative for Washington has since told the Daily Mail how the actor was 'always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday'.

Advert

The representative added: "The studio and festival were aware weeks ago, ahead of time, that he would not be available for the press conference today due to his work commitment on the play."

Speaking to the Mail Online, lip reader Jeremy Freeman commented on what he believed Washington said to the photographer during the public confrontation.

Turning to the photographers, according to Freeman, Washington appeared to say: “Hey, one - one more time, stop.

“Let me tell you - stop, stop - never put your hands on me again.”

Advert

As Washington pointed his finger towards the face of the photographer, the 70-year-old added: "I’m talking to you, stop, all right."

The lip reader went on to say the photographer replied to Washington by saying ‘not allowed’ before laughing and adding: "Yes, yes, yes.”

Freeman went on to explain further what happened as the tensions were not over there.

Denzel Washington has since spoken out (Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Denzel Washington has since spoken out (Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Advert

The photographer appeared to grab Washington and ask ‘can I take a picture?’, according to Freeman.

Washington seemingly tried to keep his temper in check, brushing off the grab and shouting back: "Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a clip of the interaction quickly went viral on social media, with seemingly everyone having their say.

One person said: “He clearly said 'don’t ever put your hands on me again' and he did it again to provoke him into a moment. YUCK.”

Advert

With another 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.”

Featured Image Credit: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty

Topics: Cannes Film Festival, Denzel Washington, Entertainment

Callum Jones
Callum Jones

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Lip reader 'reveals' what Denzel Washington shouted at photographer during heated exchange on Cannes red carpet
  • Denzel Washington caught having heated interaction with autograph hunters outside film event
  • Denzel Washington says same-sex kiss was cut out from Gladiator 2
  • Avengers star details time they 'almost got into a fight' with Denzel Washington

Choose your content:

10 mins ago
17 hours ago
2 days ago
  • 10 mins ago

    Guilty pleasure Netflix series declared 'gloriously stupid fun' as subscribers binge for 323,000,000 hours

    The creators of Cobra Kai are behind the zesty comedy series

    Film & TV
  • 17 hours ago

    Netflix subscribers given days to stream ‘powerful’ mini-series before it’s pulled from platform

    'A beautiful yet harrowing show. A work of art!'

    Film & TV
  • 2 days ago

    Netflix has floored viewers with 97% rated true-crime mini-series many say they can't finish

    "This one literally shocked me to my core."

    Film & TV
  • 2 days ago

    Netflix fans are urging people to watch 'amazing' drama that's so good it went on for 15 seasons

    The well-loved series has more than 300 episodes to watch

    Film & TV