Denzel Washington breaks silence on heated encounter with photographer

Denzel Washington's representative of the actor issued a statement on the shocking Cannes 2025 encounter.

According to DailyMail.com, Denzel was “always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday,' and he did not plan to face the media.

Reportedly, the actor wanted a break from the press conference as Monday was his only day off from the Broadway production of Othello that he is currently starring in opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.

Moreover, the source claimed, “The studio and festival were aware weeks ago, ahead of time, that he would not be available for the press conference today due to his work commitment on the play.”

As fans will be aware, at the premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday, the acting sensation lashed out at photographer for tapping on his shoulder.

As per a lip reader, Jeremy Freeman, when Denzel turned to the photographer, he called him out by saying, “Hey, one — one more time, stop.”

“Let me tell you — stop, stop — never put your hands on me again,” he appeared to say to the photographer.

The expert also disclosed, “I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”

In response, the photographer told Honorary Palme d'Or winner, “Not allowed” and laughed adding, “Yes, yes, yes.”

However, the photographer did not give up and asked the star, “Can I take a picture?”

Seemingly frustrated, Denzel Washington shouted back by saying, “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”