During the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, Denzel Washington had a tense face-off with a photographer. The situation escalated when the photographer tugged on Washington’s suit jacket while he was walking with A$AP Rocky.

Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told Mail Online that Washington warned the man, saying: “Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again.” The photographer reportedly laughed and responded with “Yes, yes, yes,” further frustrating the actor.

Despite the warning, the photographer grabbed at Washington again, asking for a photo. Washington shouted: “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.” Social media quickly reacted, mostly siding with the actor.

Later that night, Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or from Spike Lee. “I’m a little emotional… I’m blessed beyond measure,” he said in a heartfelt speech.

Online, many praised Washington for standing his ground and called out the photographer’s disrespectful behavior.