seeing red
Watch shock moment Denzel Washington hits out at Cannes photographer in explosive red carpet clash
This isn’t the first time Denzel has had a tense run-in with members of the public
DENZEL Washington hit out at a Cannes photographer in an explosive red carpet clash.
Acting legend Denzel, 70, was caught in the tense exchange on Monday night, during the premiere of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest.
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He was seen sternly pointing at a snapper and firmly telling him, “Stop it!” after what appeared to be a physical interaction at the event.
Denzel had been walking the carpet alongside his co-star A$AP Rocky, 36, when the incident unfolded.
According to witnesses, the trouble started when the photographer tapped him on the arm - a move the actor clearly didn’t appreciate.
The man appeared to laugh off the warning, only to reach out and grab the Oscar winner's arm once again.
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That’s when Denzel, visibly irritated, forcefully pushed the photographer’s hand away and repeated, “Stop it, stop it!” before walking off.
has since cleared things up.
He confirms the row began after the photographer allegedly tapped the star on his arm - prompting the movie legend to turn and deliver a stern warning.
According to his analysis for , Denzel said: “Hey, one - one more time, stop. Let me tell you - stop, stop - never put your hands on me again."
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Despite the warning, the photographer - who was seen smiling during the encounter - reportedly replied, “Not allowed."
He's believed to have added, “Yes, yes, yes,” before reaching out again and asking, “Can I take a picture?”
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Denzel, clearly unimpressed, responded: “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it."
The star later pulled out of a Tuesday Cannes press conference for the project.
His absence from the event left reporters and attendees surprised.
Seemingly referencing Denzel's no-show, director Spike Lee, 68, told the room: “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.”
Despite the brief flare-up, the star's time at the festival wasn’t without celebration.
During the Monday premiere, he was surprised on stage with an honorary Palme d’Or, presented by long-time collaborator and friend Spike.
Spike said: “This is my brother, right here,” handing over the award.
“A total surprise for me!” Denzel replied, beaming as he stood beside Spike and Rocky for photos.
Highest 2 Lowest is a modern retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High And Low.
Although it was missing from the official Cannes lineup when first announced, director Spike later revealed the film would appear at the festival, with confirmation hinging on whether Denzel would be able to attend.
The film will hit cinemas via A24 on August 22, followed by a release on Apple TV+ on September 5.
This isn’t the first time Denzel has had a tense run-in with members of the public.
In October 2024, the Training Day star was seen confronting 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, Denzel appeared visibly annoyed as he addressed one man in the crowd, saying, “I heard you. You talk about showing love… respecting me.”
When the man responded, “We already do,” Denzel snapped back, “I said I’ll see you when I get out - which part of that don’t y’all understand?
"It’s about showing love… or not, or not! We can do it another way… or not, we can do it both ways!”
He then turned and walked into the building.
Another memorable encounter came in 2021, when he was seen deep in conversation with a fan on a New York sidewalk.
The man approached him with a stack of photos to sign, prompting a seemingly intense back-and-forth.
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Eyewitnesses said Denzel placed both hands on the fan’s shoulders and appeared to share a serious message, momentarily ignoring social distancing.
While the actor kept his mask on, the fan had lowered his, and one onlooker claimed he told the man to “say a prayer” - though it’s unclear what exactly was said.
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