Denzel Washington says ‘I follow God, I don’t follow man,’ slams woke culture

Actor Denzel Washington is pushing back against cancel culture, dismissing the concept of being “cancelled” and saying he doesn’t concern himself with public approval or online followings.

Speaking with Complex News alongside director Spike Lee to promote their new film Highest 2 Lowest, Washington was asked about cancel culture and the importance of public support.

"Who cares? What made public support so important to begin with? You can’t lead and follow at the same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time,” Washington said. When the interviewer noted that “followers now are currency,” Washington responded, “I don’t care who’s following who.”

"You can’t lead and follow at the same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time," he continued. "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."

"Forget being followed. You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up,” he added.

Washington laughed as he leaned back and grabbed his chest, saying, “Don't get me started. My chest started hurting. You know, chest is getting tight talking about it.”

The Academy Award-winning actor has also recently dismissed the importance of public awards.  In an interview with Jake’s Takes, Washington said he doesn’t put much focus on trophies or industry recognition like the Oscars.

"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. "I’m not that interested in Oscars," he continued. "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."