At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, actor Denzel Washington confronted a photographer who touched him without consent on the red carpet.
The incident occurred during the premiere of Spike Lee’s film Highest 2 Lowest, marking the first collaboration between Washington and Lee in nearly 20 years.
According to eyewitnesses, the photographer made physical contact with Washington by grabbing his arm inappropriately. Washington reacted firmly, telling the photographer to stop and brushing his hand away before walking off the scene. The photographer attempted to smile and re-engage, but Washington maintained a clear boundary.
The way Denzel Washington handled that situation at #cannes is how everyone in the film community should moving forward deal with ppl who come at us trashing our favorite movies and or actors. Telling us our opinions are wrong if we like a movie or not. Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/6BSztZlabx
— The Patric (@ThePatricIsReal) May 19, 2025
Before the confrontation, Washington was seen speaking with co-star A$AP Rocky and director Spike Lee. Despite the tense moment on the red carpet, Washington appeared composed during the film premiere and received applause along with Lee and Rocky.
Highest 2 Lowest is the fifth film collaboration between Washington and Lee, following notable titles such as Inside Man (2006) and Malcolm X (1992). This year also marked Washington’s first Cannes appearance, where he was honored with a Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award.
The incident has drawn attention on social media, highlighting issues of personal space and respect for public figures. Fans praised Washington for addressing the situation calmly but firmly.
