Topics: Celebrity, World News, Cannes Film Festival, Entertainment
A lip reader has given their take on what Denzel Washington said during a pretty tense exchange with a photographer at Cannes this week.
Washington appeared to be having a rather uncomfortable stand-off with a pap as he attended the premiere of his movie, Highest 2 Lowest at Cannes Film Festival on Monday (19 May).
The tense moment occurred when the actor, 70, was walking along the red carpet with his co-star A$AP Rocky. Seconds later and Washington could be seen speaking to a photographer, who appeared to have tugged on Washington's suit jacket.
While it wasn't initially clear what Washington was saying, his body language indicated he wasn't best pleased with the situation.
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You can watch the tense moment for yourself below:
Speaking to the Mail Online, lip reader Jeremy Freeman commented on what Washington was reportedly saying to the photographer, based on his analysis of the clip.
According to Freeman, Washington appeared to say: “Hey, one - one more time, stop.
“Let me tell you - stop, stop - never put your hands on me again.”
Washington goes on to point in the photographer's face, with the pap seemingly finding the whole exchange hilarious.
Washington added: “I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”
According to Freeman, the photographer said 'not allowed', adding: "Yes, yes, yes.”
If that wasn't enough, moments later and the photographer grabs Washington's jacket again, asking 'can I take a picture?'
Washington brushes him off, with Freeman claiming he says: "Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it."
Dr Beth Dawson, a body language expert, has also analysed the encounter between Washington and the paparazzi.
"This is a tense moment," Dr Dawson told Tyla.
"At first glance, it appears that Denzel Washington is the one being aggressive because we see him pointing sharply at another man in the crowd. But the context reveals more.
"The man he’s pointing at is grinning broadly, his expression shows genuine amusement. His smile and direct eye contact are intended to provoke Denzel and he’s enjoying watching Denzel’s reaction.
"Denzel’s finger pointing gesture signals dominance and accusation. It’s a high-status move, designed to reclaim control and reassert boundaries. It is a response to what he feels is an intrusion.
"The man has touched Denzel, uninvited, while maintaining eye contact and laughing."
Dr Dawson went on to explain that the photographer 'felt emboldened by the crowd', adding: "He knows there’s a limit to how far Denzel can go in response.
"Denzel feels constrained in how he can defend himself because he knows he’s in public. Denzel’s body language evokes the image of a wild cat in a confined space. He turns on himself, almost pacing.
"His posture is alert: shoulders high and we see shallow breathing which indicates his nervous system is fully engaged. The enclosure of the crowd heightens the sense of psychological and physical pressure, making the scene feel almost primal."
Dr Dawson continued: "In short, this is a textbook example of provocation escalating into a dominance challenge. The laughing man attempts to assert power through mockery and physical intrusion.
"Denzel’s response, though aggressive in tone and stance, is a form of controlled self-defence and it is territorial, constrained and instinctive."
