Touching a stranger? Denzel Washington reminded us why you shouldn't

A red carpet run-in between actor Denzel Washington and a photographer at the Cannes Film Festival made headlines recently

But is it ever okay to touch a stranger, regardless of your status or credentials, especially at high-profile events

Washington was taking photos with rapper A$AP Rocky and director Spike Lee when a paparazzo reached out and grabbed his arm

While the photographer kept a smile on his face, Washington had quite the opposite as he leaned in and appeared to say

one more time and stop. A self-proclaimed professional lip reader told the New York

Post he also said, never put your hands on me again. There have been many moments where paparazzi

or fans crossed the line between doing their job and being disrespectful. So when is enough enough

Shanice Truesdale is the owner of the Behavior Etiquette Institute. She tells Straight Arrow

News in a statement in high profile spaces people are often under intense scrutiny and pressure and every gesture matters People should always assume personal boundaries unless invited otherwise Many also assume physical touch is warranted

but Truesdale says it should never be the default, especially when dealing with someone you don't

know. Many people have taken the side of Washington. One ex-user says, this was an attitude

it was boundaries, and boundaries are overdue. While a user on Instagram says, he was definitely

disrespected. I don't think I've ever seen him like this on any red carpet

Truesdale says, ultimately, etiquette isn't about old-fashioned rules. It's about creating environments where people feel safe, seen, and respected. Touching someone without permission

even in a moment of enthusiasm or admiration, crosses a line that etiquette teaches us to

recognize and honor. After Washington's encounter, some speculated he skipped a film festival press

event for his new movie, Highest to Lowest, because of what happened. But a rep tells Daily

Mail that he was always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday, his only day off from

his Broadway run in Othello. With Straight Arrow news, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or

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