Denzel Washington Gets Backlash Over Deleted Gladiator II Scene

The Oscar-winning actor plays Macrinas, a former slave who has become a gladiator and is confirmed to be bisexual in the movie.

Denzel Washington has addressed the removal of a controversial scene from Gladiator II that reportedly featured a same-sex kiss between his character and another. In recent interviews promoting the film, Washington expressed his support for director Ridley Scott’s decision to cut the scene, emphasizing that it was done for creative reasons rather than controversy.

THE KISS OF DEATH

The scene involved a kiss between Washington’s character, a Roman general, and another male character, which was meant to highlight complexities in their relationship. However, Scott felt the scene disrupted the film’s pacing and thematic focus, ultimately deciding it didn’t fit the narrative arc. Washington praised Scott for his commitment to storytelling and agreed that the edit strengthened the movie overall.

DENZEL WASHINGTON TALKS ABOUT BEING IN BLACK PANTHER 3

Denzel Washington was asked by the outlet: “How gay is the Roman Empire?”, and he answered by referencing the deleted scene. “I actually kissed a man in the film, but they took it out. They cut it — I think they got chicken,” he said.

“I kissed a guy full on the lips, and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It’s Gladiator. It’s the kiss of death,” he added.

The film, which has already received significant attention for Washington’s commanding performance, has sparked both excitement and debates about its representation and storytelling choices. Early screenings have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting Washington’s role as a standout.

ONLINE REACTIONS

The reveal by Washington has received two different kinds of backlash online. Those who are for the scene to be added back into the film and others in the African American community who believe Denzel Washington has sold out.

DENZEL WASHINGTON ALLEGEDLY STORMS OUT OF DIDDY PARTY

The reason for the sell out claim goes back to a decades long rumor of Denzel Washington giving a young Will Smith advice.

The story about Denzel Washington advising Will Smith regarding avoiding a same-sex kiss in “Six Degrees of Separation” has been recounted in various sources. Will Smith, who played a gay con artist in the film, was initially uncomfortable with the scene where he was scripted to kiss a male co-star. According to reports, Smith sought advice from Denzel Washington, who allegedly advised him, “Don’t be kissing no man.” Following this advice, Smith refused to perform the scene as written, leading the director to use a double for the shot.

Smith later admitted that his decision was immature and influenced by his concern about public perception, especially from his friends and community.

Washington himself has not commented extensively on this claim, leaving some ambiguity around the details. This story highlights the complexities actors face when balancing personal, professional, and cultural considerations in their careers.

They can have different versions of the film. This was cut for the US audience who will whine about queerness in everything. A simple film such as Pride & Prejudice has two different endings: one for the US and the other for the UK and world.

— Robert (@annotated888) November 15, 2024

What a bunch of punks.. they should’ve aired it. A Black male bisexual is an important representation for the community. https://t.co/2n6o61exWr

— Double D💥🔥✨⚡️ (@dreezydrell) November 15, 2024

you know that they can keep these scenes in the movies for the countries that they’re permitted in and remove them in the countries they’re not? you people will blame everyone else before looking inwards. have you thought that maybe white people don’t wanna have it in the movie?

— faggot #2 (@aparagonx) November 15, 2024