Denzel Washington, 70, pulls out of Cannes Film Festival after explosive red carpet showdown
Denzel Washington has pulled out of a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival following a tense confrontation with a photographer on the red carpet.
The incident occurred on Monday evening during the premiere of “Highest 2 Lowest”, directed by Spike Lee.
The 70-year-old Oscar-winning actor was seen in footage sternly pointing at a photographer and firmly telling him to stop after what appeared to be unwanted physical contact.
Washington, who was attending the festival to promote the film alongside co-star A$AP Rocky, was visibly distressed during the exchange.
According to eyewitnesses, the trouble began when the photographer tapped Washington on the arm, a gesture the actor clearly didn’t appreciate.
Expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Daily Mail that Washington appeared to say: “Hey, one — one more time, stop. Let me tell you — stop, stop — never put your hands on me again.”
Despite Washington’s clear objection, the photographer, who maintained a smile throughout the exchange, reportedly reached out and grabbed the actor’s arm again, asking: “Can I take a picture?”
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Washington responded firmly: “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it,” before walking away from the scene.
Following the altercation, Washington has now withdrawn from the scheduled press conference for “Highest 2 Lowest” at the Palais des Festivals on Tuesday morning.
The actor had been expected to attend the event alongside director Spike Lee and other cast members.
Seemingly addressing Washington’s absence at the conference, Lee joked: “The last time I was in this room, I had to apologise for a f**k up, but I won’t be apologising today for a f**k up.”
Washington was on a tight schedule during his Cannes visit, as he reportedly flew in during his only day off from performing as Othello on Broadway in New York.
Despite the incident, Washington’s evening wasn’t without celebration. He was surprised on stage with an honorary Palme d’Or, presented by long-time collaborator Spike Lee, who said: “This is my brother, right here.”
“This is a total surprise for me!” Washington replied, beaming as he stood beside Lee and Rocky for photos.
“Highest 2 Lowest” is a modern retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic “High and Low”. The film marks the fifth collaboration between Washington and Lee, following notable titles such as “Inside Man” (2006) and “Malcolm X” (1992).
This isn’t the first time Washington has had tense interactions with photographers and members of the public.
In October 2024, he confronted autograph hunters outside the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where he was attending a benefit honouring Samuel L. Jackson.
In video footage from that night, Washington appeared visibly annoyed, saying: “I heard you. You talk about showing love… respecting me.”
Another notable encounter occurred in 2021, when he was seen in deep conversation with a fan on a New York sidewalk who approached him with photos to sign.
Eyewitnesses said Washington placed both hands on the fan’s shoulders and appeared to share a serious message.