Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington sharply criticized cancel culture and the emphasis on social media popularity during a recent interview with Complex magazine.
The two-time Oscar winner, known for roles in films such as Training Day and Glory, dismissed the idea of being “canceled” when asked about the impact of losing public support or business opportunities because of personal views.
“What does that mean, to be cancelled?” Washington asked.
When the interviewer explained that cancel culture refers to losing support and professional prospects, Washington responded bluntly.
“Who cares? What made public support so important to begin with?”
The conversation then turned to the influence of online followers, with the reporter noting that “followers now are currency.”
Washington rejected that idea, saying, “I don’t care who’s following who.”
Washington elaborated on his perspective, emphasizing that he does not seek approval through public attention.
“You can’t lead and follow at the same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time,” he said.
“I don’t follow anybody. I follow the heavenly spirit. I follow God, I don’t follow man. I have faith in God. I have hope in man, but look around, it ain’t working out so well.”
He added, “You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up.”
Washington, 70, lightened the mood after his remarks, leaning back in his chair and laughing.
“Don’t get me started. My chest started hurting. You know, chest is getting tight talking about it,” he joked.
Sitting alongside Washington was veteran director Spike Lee, who has often voiced political opinions of his own.
Lee supported Washington’s comments, adding, “I could care less.”
The remarks come as Washington continues to maintain his standing as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors.
Earlier this year, he won a Golden Globe award for his performance in Gladiator II.
While the film itself received mixed reviews, Washington’s role was praised by critics and audiences.
Throughout his career, Washington has largely avoided aligning himself publicly with political movements or candidates.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2023, he explained his skepticism about political leaders across the spectrum.
“Both sides” of the political aisle, he said, are “manipulating” the American people.
“It’s all politics. All promises unkept. And now with the information age the way it is — if anything — left, right, whatever had better learn how to use those tools to manipulate the people. There was a great line in the first movie I did, [1981’s] Carbon Copy: ‘Power to the people? Yeah, they had it once — it was called the Stone Age.’”
Washington continued, “We’re all slaves to information now. We really are. We’re all slaves. So whatever you feel about the leaders, like this guy’s crazy or the other one is sane, you’d better realize you’re being manipulated by both sides. Period. Yeah. So go to the movies.”
Washington’s comments mark one of his strongest public dismissals of cancel culture and reflect his long-standing approach of prioritizing faith, personal values, and his work over social media popularity or political affiliation.
