Denzel Washington pulls out of Cannes Film Festival event after photographer bust-up

Denzel Washington has pulled out of the press conference for his new movie following an ugly altercation with a photographer at Cannes Film Festival on Monday. The Oscar-winning star was seen in the face of one snapper who appeared to grab at his shirt.

The 70-year-old star is in the French town to promote his new movie and had been scheduled to attend a press conference at the Palais des Festivals on Tuesday morning. but was nowhere to be seen.

Appearing to address Denzel's absence, film director Spike Lee announced: "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."

Scenes of Denzel shouting at the waiting photographer hit the headlines on Monday night.

A lip reading expert said the esteemed actor snapped after being repeatedly tapped on the arm.

Denzel told the eager photographer: 'Hey, one — one more time, stop.

'Let me tell you — stop, stop — never put your hands on me again,' he appears to shout at the photographer, who had a bizarre grin plastered on his face throughout the exchange.

'I’m talking to you, stop, all right,' he continued. Expert lip reader Jeremy Freenam told the Mail Online the photographer told Denzel 'Not allowed,' before laughing and adding, 'Yes, yes, yes.'

He then went to lunge at Denzel again and asked "Can I take a picture?'

Denzel then appeared to lose his cool as he shouted back: "Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.'

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