DENZEL Washington’s Cannes rant has been revealed by a lip reader after he rowed with a photographer on the red carpet.
Acting legend, 70, was caught in the tense moment as he posed for pictures outside the Palais des Festivals on Monday.
According to expert, Jeremy Freeman, the row began after the photographer allegedly tapped the star on his arm – prompting the winner 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, 36, when the incident unfolded.
Despite the brief flare-up, the director’s evening wasn’t without celebration.
During the premiere, he was surprised on stage with an honorary Palme d’Or, presented by long-time collaborator and friend.
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 andfor photos.
Highest 2 Lowest is a modern retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High And Low.
Although it was missing from the officiallineup 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 onon 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, where he was attending a benefit honouring.
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.
