Denzel Washington Criticizes Cancel Culture in Recent Remarks

In an industry often paralyzed by the fear of public backlash, Denzel Washington delivers a masterclass in artistic independence. The two-time Oscar winner, never one to mince words, has issued a blistering and unequivocal dismissal of cancel culture, declaring it holds no power over him or his work. His comments, made during a joint interview with longtime collaborator Spike Lee, cut through the noise with a clarity that is both rare and refreshing in today’s hyper-scrutinized Hollywood landscape.

How Do Celebrities Like Denzel Washington Navigate Cancel Culture?

For public figures, navigating the court of public opinion has become a precarious tightrope walk. However, Washington’s approach is less about careful navigation and more about refusing to acknowledge the tightrope exists at all. During a promotional interview with Complex for their new film, High and Low, Washington was asked about his concerns regarding cancel culture. His response was characteristically direct and philosophical.

“What does that mean? Who cares?” Washington began. “What made public support so important to begin with? I don’t care who’s following who. You can’t lead and follow at the same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time. I don’t follow anybody…You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up….My chest is getting tight talking about it. I could care less.” His co-interviewee, acclaimed director Spike Lee, succinctly added, “Don’t even get me started,” signaling a shared skepticism toward the phenomenon.

This stance is not an isolated one for Washington, who has built a five-decade career on a foundation of formidable talent and uncompromising principle. It reflects a philosophy where an artist’s primary accountability is to their craft and personal integrity, not to the fluctuating tides of online sentiment.

A Director’s Perspective: Artistic Legacy vs. Public Scrutiny

Spike Lee’s alignment with Washington’s view is significant, given his own history of confronting complex social issues through film. Lee has previously commented on the dangers of erasing artistic legacies, once defending filmmaker Woody Allen by stating that his work should be considered separately from his personal life, according to a 2020 report by The Guardian. While Lee has been unequivocal in his condemnation of sexual harassment, his position highlights the nuanced and often contentious debate within the creative community about separating art from the artist and the permanence of an artist’s catalog in the digital age.

Their latest collaboration, a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic crime thriller, High and Low, places them squarely in a tradition of storytelling that examines profound moral dilemmas—a fitting backdrop for their real-world commentary on judgment and consequence. The film, released in theaters and slated for an Apple TV+ release on September 5th, follows a powerful music mogul embroiled in a deadly ransom plot, forcing him into an impossible ethical choice.

In a world quick to judge and faster to type, Denzel Washington’s defiant stance is a powerful reminder that true influence isn’t granted by the crowd—it’s forged in the unwavering commitment to one’s own truth and artistic vision. His career, untouched by scandal and defined by excellence, proves that the best defense against cancellation is a lifetime of impeccable work. For more insights into the films that define his legacy, explore our analysis of his most iconic roles.

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Must Know

What did Denzel Washington say about cancel culture?
Denzel Washington questioned the very concept, stating, “Who cares?” and “You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up.” He expressed that he doesn’t follow public opinion and could care less about being canceled, emphasizing that one cannot lead and follow at the same time.

What was Spike Lee’s response to the cancel culture question?
Spike Lee was equally dismissive, simply replying, “Don’t even get me started,” indicating he shares a similar frustration or skepticism with the topic and preferred not to elaborate further in that moment.

What is the new Denzel Washington and Spike Lee movie about?
Titled High and Low, it is a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller. It follows a powerful music mogul who faces a life-or-death moral dilemma when he becomes the target of a ransom plot. The film is set on the streets of New York City.

Where can I watch the new Denzel Washington movie?
High and Low is currently in theaters. It will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2024.

How many movies have Denzel Washington and Spike Lee made together?
High and Low marks the fifth collaboration between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. Their previous films include Mo’ Better Blues (1990), He Got Game (1998), Inside Man (2006), and Malcolm X (1992).