Denzel Washington pulls out of Cannes press conference after clash with photographer on red carpet
DENZEL Washington has pulled out of a Cannes press conference after his red carpet clash with a photographer.
Oscar-winner Denzel, 70, did not take part in the Tuesday event for his latest project, Highest 2 Lowest, at the film festival following the headline-making spat.
The actor is currently in France promoting his latest project, a Spike Lee-directed remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low.
The film is due for release in cinemas via A24 on August 22 before arriving on Apple TV+ on September 5.
He had been scheduled to appear at a press conference for the film this morning morning at the Palais des Festivals.
However, 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.”
According to lip reader, Jeremy Freeman, the Monday 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 MailOnline, he said: “Hey, one – one more time, stop. Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again.”
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?”
Denzel, clearly unimpressed, responded: “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”
The Hollywood icon had been walking the carpet alongside his Highest 2 Lowest co-star A$AP Rocky, 36, when the incident unfolded.
Despite the brief flare-up, the director’s time at the festival hasn’t been without celebration.
During the premiere, he was surprised on stage with an honorary Palme d’Or, presented by long-time collaborator and friend Spike Lee.
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.
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.