Denzel Washington came unglued at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday when a photographer crossed the line by appearing to grab him.
Washington Unleashes On Photographer
Washington, 70, was walking the red carpet at the Cannes premiere of his new movie Highest 2 Lowest when he stopped to talk to a photographer. The two-time Oscar-winning actor was talking to Highest 2 Lowest director Spike Lee when the photographer seemingly tried to grab the star to get his attention.
This didn’t sit well with Washington, who pointed his finger in the face of the photographer in question and yelled “stop it!” The photographer could be seen laughing and smiling as he was chastised by Washington, appearing to not take his scolding seriously. When Washington turned to walk away, the photographer grabbed his arm again.
It didn’t take long for the photographer to learn that this was a huge mistake. Indeed, Washington came completely unglued as he flung the photographer’s hand away.
“Stop it, stop it!” Washington repeatedly screamed before finally storming off.
Needless to say, the photographer was no longer laughing by the end of this explosive exchange! Check it out for yourself in the video below.
Washington Bounces Back
Despite this, Washington was still able to enjoy his night. He later seemed to be in good spirits when he was surprised with the an honorary Palme d’Or award by director Spike Lee.
Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Frémaux shared some positive words about Washington before the award was presented.
“It’s a very special day,” Frémaux said. “Denzel, because you are here, we want to make something special for you. … It’s a kind of way for us to tell you our adoration, what you have done in cinema. Nobody knows about that except Spike Lee, who wrote me to do that.”
Lee then stepped onstage to give Washington the honorary Palme d’Or.
“This is my brother right here,” Lee told Washington. “I love him, I love him. I’m glad you’re here where all the people love you too.”
Washington was visibly touched and shocked by the honor.
“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all,” Washington said. “It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike.”
“To be here once again in Cannes, you know, we’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well,” he continued. “You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you.”
Check out that emotional moment for yourself below.
Washington’s Previous Explosive Exchange
Yesterday’s explosive exchange with the photographer at Cannes wasn’t the first time Washington has had a public meltdown of this nature. Back in October, we reported that Washington lashed out at autograph hunters in New York City. Indeed, he unravelled when he was approached by fans trying to get his autograph outside New York City’s Museum of Modern Art.
Washington was at the venue attending a film benefit honoring Samuel L. Jackson. At first, he appeared to be in good spirits as he paused to take some photos with fans. However, things took a turn as Washington was walking inside. Suddenly, he turned around and quickly approached a group of fans asking for autographs.
Video footage obtained by Fox News shows a visibly angry Washington demand, “Put this down. I heard you. You talk about showing love… respect me.”
“We always do,” one fan replied
“I said, ‘I’ll see you when I get out,'” Washington fired back. “Which part of that don’t ya’ll understand?”
“Or not, or not! We can do it another way. I can do it both ways, ya’ll,” Washington added before he walked inside.
Check out that fiery exchange for yourself below.
Full Story: Denzel Washington, 69, Comes Unglued – Lashes Out At Fans In Heated NYC Exchange
Clearly, Denzel Washington is one celebrity that you do not want to mess with! In the end, we can understand why someone as famous as he is would be so protective of his personal space. Hopefully overzealous photographers and fans alike will leave Washington alone in the future!
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