With Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal indictment taking over headlines, many are starting to recall past alleged problematic moments between him and other celebs. This latest one involves one of our favorite actors—Denzel Washington.
In a new statement given to US Weekly on Wednesday, an insider close to Diddy alleged that Washington and the Bad Boy mogul once got in a heated exchange at an all-night party back in 2003. They did not specify if this was one of Diddy’s annual all-white parties that he was known for hosting back in the day or just a random industry party.
What they say is that Washington and his wife Pauletta were there late into the night but that at some point, the “Gladiator II” star got into a heated exchange with Diddy because they had allegedly seen something upsetting.
“Denzel screamed, ‘You don’t respect anyone!’” the insider claimed, later adding that the couple subsequently stormed out after the verbal spat.
Now while that doesn’t necessarily mean the two have a longstanding beef, this alleged incident would lend further credence to the “American Gangster” star’s previous assertions as to why he famously doesn’t indulge in the industry’s proclivities for partying and debauchery.
If you’ll recall, back in January, Washington’s words of wisdom went viral thanks to an interview by “Lottery Ticket” star Brandon T. Jackson. Speaking on the “Breaking the Machine” podcast, Brandon shared advice that the “Man on Fire” actor told him as he was coming up in the acting world.
“Denzel always told me, [when] we be at the parties, ‘You leave 30 minutes before the devil get there. OK?’ Always remember that Denzel would leave the parties early and I followed Denzel out,” he said at the time.
Washington has yet to comment on any of Diddy’s recent legal issues.
As previously reported by The Root, on Monday, Sept. 16, the 54-year-old rap mogul was arrested in Manhattan by federal authorities. His indictment was unsealed the following morning, revealing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and engaging in interstate transportation for prostitution. The allegations against Combs, include sexual abuse, physical abuse, bribery and various drug offenses.
The most notable claims stem from his so-called “freak off” sex parties, where prosecutors allege women and men were drugged and forced to perform sexual acts at Combs’ pleasure. He was also accused of using video footage to blackmail the victims into compliance.
