Denzel Washington Says Cancel Culture Doesn’t Matter to Him: “You Can’t Be Canceled If You Haven’t Signed Up” [Video]

Denzel Washington is living proof that you can be a Hollywood legend and still walk your own path, without bowing to public opinion or the pressures of the industry.

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In a recent sit-down with Complex News alongside director Spike Lee, the two discussed their upcoming film “Highest 2 Lowest.” But when the conversation shifted to cancel culture, Washington didn’t hold back.

“Who cares? What made public support so important to begin with?” he said. “You can’t lead and follow at the same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time.”

He made it clear that his compass isn’t driven by social media validation or applause. “You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up,” he added.

And this wasn’t just a one-off moment. Washington has been consistently transparent about where he stands, especially during his press tour for the new film. In an interview with “Jake’s Takes,” the Oscar winner got candid about his relationship with fame.

“I don’t do it for Oscars,” he said. “I really don’t care about that kind of stuff. I’ve been at this a long time. There’s times when I won and shouldn’t have won, and shouldn’t have won and won. Man gives the award. God gives the reward.”

He even shared that the trophies themselves don’t hold much meaning for him.

“You know, people will ask me, well, where do you keep it? I say, next to the other one. I’m not bragging. I’m just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, it ain’t gon’ do me a bit of good,” he explained.

Despite his stance on awards, Washington has secured two Oscars and numerous other accolades.