Denzel Washington is a hero on the big screen. And now a new viral video proves he’s that dude even when Hollywood cameras aren’t rolling.
The Academy Award–winning actor was driving in Los Angeles on May 21 when he spotted a seemingly homeless man in the street and pulled over to guide him away from oncoming traffic, USA Today reports. Another individual spotted the Malcolm X star and called the police.
The incident, captured on video, shows Washington, who’s wearing a face mask, assisting the man, who wore a light blue hoodie but didn’t have a protective face covering. In the full clip, Washington is seen talking to the man and putting his hand on his shoulder assuringly.
https://youtu.be/Cx0czLn8hSg
Rex Chapman, former NBA player and Denver Nuggets Vice President, posted the video to Twitter Thursday—showing Washington in Good Samaritan mode, talking with three police officers and acting as a go-between for the man and the cops. The man was later handcuffed as Washington put extra masks in his pocket.
Denzel Washington saw a commotion in West Hollywood with cops and an unarmed distressed homeless man. He got out of his car and served as a barrier between the man and the police — helping to diffuse a tense situation. This man was arrested safely.
pic.twitter.com/4UyYdX1vT6
— Rex Chapman
(@RexChapman) May 28, 2020
In light of the recent killing of George Floyd by a White police officer in Minnesota, Washington’s act of kindness has gone viral on social media; and fans chimed in on Twitter to show gratitude and appreciation for the former Boys and Girls Club member.
“Denzel out there in an old T-shirt, doing the good work. Maybe saving a life. Being a good example for all of us,” one user wrote.
This incident with Denzel interceding for the homeless man, just breaks my damn heart. Denzel out there in an old T-shirt, doing the good work. Maybe saving a life. Being a good example for all of us. Thank you, #DenzelWashington. https://t.co/VNKdn9CPmy
— Emily (@poppy1080) May 28, 2020
Another user tweeted, “Denzel Washington did what anybody should do in that kind of situation.”
#DenzelWashington DenzelWashington Did what anybody should do in that kind of situation I would’ve like to know that the people recording #GeorgeFloyd or Those surrounding him could’ve felt safe enough to do the same
— Bryonna Jones (@BryonnaJones) May 29, 2020
“After what happened to George Floyd, this helped take the edge off. Thank you Denzel Washington. #BlackLivesMatter,” yet another shared.
After what happened to George Floyd, this helped take the edge off. Thank you Denzel Washington. #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/sPhoPSA1R6
— Deborah Grey (@GreyFrost) May 28, 2020
An LAPD sergeant confirmed that the man “didn’t want to be a harm to himself or others, and he was on his way, and Denzel left.”
We’re giving a shout-out to Washington for doing the good work!
The post Denzel Washington Helps Homeless Man Walking In Los Angeles Traffic appeared first on Essence.
