Denzel Washington Rejects Cancel Culture Stating ‘I Follow God, I Don't Follow Man’
Legendary actor Denzel Washington is speaking out against cancel culture -- while standing firm on the faithfulness of God. The two-time Oscar winner made the comments in an interview with Complex News, sitting alongside Spike Lee and discussing their new film, Highest 2 Lowest (R). The Hollywood Reporter covered the exchange.
Asked by Complex News if he was concerned about being canceled, an energetic Washington pushed back: "What does that mean -- to be canceled?"
Jillian Hardeman-Webb of Complex News responded, "It means you lose public support," to which Washington retorted, "Who cares?"
"What made public support so important to begin with?"
Hardeman-Webb replied that "followers now are currency."
"I don't care who's following who," Washington said.
"You can't lead and follow at the same time, and you can't follow and lead at the same time," Washington 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."
Washington acknowledged that the issue gets him energized.
"You can't be canceled if you haven't signed up. Don't sign up. Don't get me started. My chest started hurting. You know, my chest is getting tight talking about it."
It wasn't the first time Washington has referenced his faith in recent days. He told Jake's Takes that awards mean nothing to him.
"I've been at this a long time, and there's time when I won and shouldn't have won and then didn't win and should've won. Man gives the award," he told Jake's Takes. "God gives the reward."
Denzel Washington sends strong message on cancel culture:
“I Follow God, I Don’t Follow Man.” pic.twitter.com/kk1JxalBgK— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 17, 2025
Washington was baptized at a New York City church last year in a service that also saw him receive a minister's license, which will allow him to be trained for the ministry.
Washington may be best known for such movies as Glory, Remember the Titans, and The Book of Eli.
"Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Jesus Christ, his Son, who died on the cross for our sins?" a pastor asked Washington during the service.
"I do," the actor responded.
Washington, 70, gave his testimony during the service.
"To God be the glory," he said.
"Anything and everything I can do, I will do for this church, for the Almighty," Washington added. "I just want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in."
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Alberto E. Rodriguez/Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
More about Denzel Washington
Related Content:
- Denzel Washington Opens Up about His Faith Journey in Powerful Talk with CU Football Team
- Denzel Washington Reflects on Overcoming Alcoholism and Celebrates 10 Years of Sobriety
- Denzel Washington Is Baptized and Enters the Ministry, ‘To God Be the Glory,’ He Says
- Denzel Washington Speaks Out on His Deleted Gladiator II Scene and His Christian Values
- Denzel Washington Finds His Purpose in God and Will Thank Him Daily
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jamie McCarthy/Staff
Originally published August 20, 2025.
