Denzel Drops a Bomb on Cannes Photographer—What He Said Will Make You Rethink Red Carpets Forever
Added on May 20, 2025 inCelebrity News Cards
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Denzel Washington’s latest stroll down the Cannes red carpet turned into anything but a stroll—more like a volcanic eruption in designer shoes. Yep, just before the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, the legendary actor, reunited with Spike Lee for what critics are calling an “exceptional” cinematic dance, found himself in the middle of a tense arm grab showdown with a persistent photographer. Now, if you’re wondering whether Mercury’s usual retrograde mischief was at play, I wouldn’t be surprised. After all, with the cosmos throwing some spicy aspects this week, maybe even an A-list star isn’t immune to a cosmic “hold up!” moment. But despite the awkward tussle—captured lip reading experts diving deep into what was really said—Denzel managed to keep his crown polished, snagging an honorary Palme d’Or later that night. So, was this celestial chaos a mere hiccup or a sign we should all beware the Capricorn season claws? Either way, it’s an angelic reminder that even Hollywood’s finest have their “stop it, stop it!” moments. LEARN MORE.
Denzel Washington was involved in an explosive red carpet moment at the Cannes Film Festival, ahead of the premiere of his newest Spike Lee film.
Washington stars in the film Highest 2 Lowest, which reunites the legendary actor with Spike Lee, and was shown for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival.
The actor walked the carpet alongside co-star A$AP Rocky when he appeared to be grabbed on the arm by a photographer, leading to a heated exchange.
Washington’s reaction made headlines worldwide, with the actor skipping the press conference for the film.
Despite the pre-premiere incident, the film was met with overwhelmingly positive praise from critics. RogerEbert.com’s Robert Daniels gave the film 3.5 stars, calling it ‘exceptional’.
Despite this though, much of the focus and discussion has remained on Denzel’s heated pre-premiere confrontation.
Whilst speculation was rampant, what was said in the viral incident has been revealed by a lip reading expert.
Jeremy Freeman, speaking to the Daily Mail, managed to figure out exactly what was said.
Freeman revealed what was said by Washington, claiming the legendary actor had initially yelled: “Hey, one — one more time, stop”, as he pointed at the photographer who had grabbed at his arm.
He went on to add: “Let me tell you — stop, stop — never put your hands on me again. I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”
Despite this strong response, Freeman claims that the photographer retorted saying: “Not allowed” while smiling.
The photographer smiled throughout the exchange (Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)
Based on Freeman’s summary of events as an expert lip reader, it appears as if the photographer did not get the memo, reportedly again grabbing Denzel’s arm and saying: “Can I take a picture?”
This led to a final exchange in which Denzel again appeared to yell, per Freeman: “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”
Despite the heated exchange in which A$AP Rocky was pictured trying to lead the actor away, the night was clearly not ruined for Denzel, who received an honorary Palme d’Or presented by Lee later that day.
The incident didn’t appear to ruin the premiere for Denzel, who was in good spirits when receiving an award (Ernesto Ruscio via Getty Images)
Highest 2 Lowest, which stars Denzel as a music mogul who gets caught up in a ransom plot, features a suprisingly stacked cast.
As well as Denzel, the newest Spike Lee joint stars Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice.
A modern remake of an Akira Kurosawa classic, the film also received a four-star review from The Guardian.
Peter Bradshaw said in his review: “Spike Lee has made a brash, bold, big-city movie with this pulsing New York adventure that doubles as a love letter to NYC’s sports and its music.
“This is a big, muscular picture which aspires to the crowd-pleasing athleticism of Spike Lee’s sports icons; it’s very enjoyable and there’s a great turn from Washington.”
The LADbible group have contacted Denzel Washington for comment.
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