People act like celebrities aren’t people. Stop putting your hands on strangers,” one fan wrote in response to the video of the heated moment.

Witnesses say the confrontation occurred when the photographer tapped Washington’s arm to position him for a photo. Denzel attempted to shake off the touch while repeating, “Stop it,” in a tone that left no room for misinterpretation. The photographer, unfazed, reportedly laughed off the intense moment, but the tension was undeniable.