Denzel Washington ended up in a highly heated confrontation with a photographer, suggesting that something was lost in translation.
Denzel Washington seems to assault a photographer during the May 19 Cannes Film Festival premiere of his film Highest 2 Lowest in a highly visible altercation.
One of the photographers tugged Washington’s suit jacket on as they were strolling with co-star A$AP Rocky.
Everything seemed to be triggered by this insignificant act.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman discussed what he thinks Washington said to the photographer when he approached him in an interview with the Mail Online.
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.”
Washington also gestures at the photographer, who appears to be oblivious to the actor’s sombre expression and is beaming back at him.
Washington added, “I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”
Freeman also stated the photographer replied to Washington by saying ‘not allowed’ before laughing and adding, “Yes, yes, yes.”
However, it didn’t seem to stop there, which obviously irritated the actor even more.
After the tense exchange, the photographer again grabs at Washington and appears to 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.”
Numerous other people have commented on the unexpected encounter in the footage of the event, which has started to circulate on social media.
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.”
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.”
A third joked, “Denzel ‘UNHAND ME’ Washington lol.”
Spike Lee, a frequent collaborator, presented Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or after the incident, which he described as a “complete surprise.”
He said, “I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
“You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure.”
