Denzel Washington at 70: The Seven Hollywood Figures He Reportedly Can’t Stand

Before there was such a thing as Democrats and Republicans, before Hollywood divided itself into stars and power brokers, there was one truth about Denzel Washington: he has never played the Hollywood game. At 70 years old, the legendary actor is no longer biting his tongue. After decades of discipline, faith, and a career that elevated him to one of the most respected actors in the world, Washington’s patience for nonsense is running thin. The man who has built his life on privacy, prayer, and professionalism is now rumored to be quietly naming the actors, moguls, and personalities he refuses to deal with—seven figures who have crossed the line in his eyes.

From his disdain for shallow Hollywood relationships to clashes with fellow stars, Denzel’s list reveals more about him than it does about them. These aren’t petty feuds or tabloid gossip; they’re lessons in integrity from someone who has seen it all. Let’s break down the seven people Denzel Washington has reportedly had the most trouble with.

Michael B. Jordan: The Protégé Who Listened

Michael B. Jordan isn’t someone Denzel hates—far from it. In fact, their relationship proves the opposite: Washington’s respect is earned, not given. Jordan, who rose from TV roles in The Wire and Friday Night Lights to box-office dominance in films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and the $350 million hit Sinners, credits Denzel with life-changing advice.

“Stay offline,” Denzel told him. “Why would they pay to see you on the weekend if they see you all week for free?”

That wisdom shaped Jordan’s career. Unlike many celebrities who overshare, Jordan keeps his social media minimal, maintaining mystery in an age of oversaturation. He also took direction directly from Washington in A Journal for Jordan. Their bond shows that for Denzel, the key is discipline, humility, and respect—qualities he feels Hollywood is losing.

Tyler Perry: The Clash of Values

If there’s one name that comes up again and again in stories about Denzel’s disapproval, it’s Tyler Perry. While Denzel has never outright said, “I hate Tyler Perry,” the clash is obvious. Perry, who has built a billion-dollar empire on fast-produced sitcoms, melodramas, and the Madea franchise, represents everything Denzel seems to reject: rushed scripts, surface-level storytelling, and profit prioritized over craft.

Washington, who built his career on Shakespeare, August Wilson adaptations, and Academy Award-winning performances, has little interest in Perry’s factory-style productions. Allegations of Perry mistreating actors, pressuring young talent, and rewriting scripts at the last minute only deepen the divide. Former collaborators like Christian Keyes have hinted at exploitation behind the curtain, fueling suspicions about Perry’s methods.

For Denzel, who believes in discipline, dignity, and legacy, Perry’s brand of Hollywood feels like the opposite of artistry.

Sean “Diddy” Combs: The Party He Walked Out Of

Denzel Washington is not a man of Hollywood parties. He’s said it himself: “You leave 30 minutes before the devil gets there.” That philosophy came into play at a 2003 party hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs. According to witnesses, Denzel confronted Diddy directly, shouting, “You don’t respect anyone,” before leaving with his wife, Pauletta, in disgust.

What exactly triggered Denzel isn’t clear, but the moment revealed something crucial—he doesn’t tolerate the excess, arrogance, and power plays of celebrity nightlife. While others see Diddy as a mogul, Washington saw enough to turn his back for good. In his world, respect is non-negotiable.

Oprah Winfrey: The Betrayal of Trust

Perhaps the most surprising name on the list is Oprah Winfrey. To the public, she’s a symbol of empowerment and philanthropy. But behind the scenes, not everyone sees her that way—including, reportedly, Denzel.

The fracture stems from a long pattern of behavior that some Black entertainers have criticized. Oprah’s handling of Michael Jackson—both her infamous 1993 interview and her later promotion of Leaving Neverland—angered fans and peers who felt she exploited him rather than defended him. Others, like Ice Cube and Mo’Nique, have accused Oprah of gatekeeping, favoritism, and silencing independent Black voices in Hollywood.

Mo’Nique, who won an Oscar for Precious, directly blamed Oprah and Tyler Perry for her being blackballed after refusing to work for free on a promotion tour. Even Ice Cube has said Oprah wanted nothing to do with him because he didn’t “go along to get along.”

Denzel has publicly warned young Black actors to be careful in Hollywood. Though he didn’t mention Oprah by name, many interpreted his words as a veiled caution about her influence.

Will Smith: The Slap Heard Around the World

Denzel doesn’t “hate” Will Smith, but the infamous 2022 Oscars slap put a dent in their relationship. When Smith struck Chris Rock on live television, Washington was one of the first to intervene, pulling Smith aside to pray with him and remind him: “At your highest moment, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.”

It wasn’t hate—it was disappointment. Washington, who has built his career on self-control and grace under pressure, couldn’t condone Smith’s violent outburst. To him, that night was a reminder of how fame can consume even the brightest stars.

Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx: Creative Clashes

Denzel’s history with Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx shows that even legends butt heads on set. With Murphy, tension reportedly brewed during Dreamgirls, though both later downplayed the disagreement. Eddie himself once recalled that Sidney Poitier told him, “You are not Denzel Washington,” a comment that underscored their contrasting reputations: Murphy, the comedian-turned-actor, and Washington, the disciplined dramatic powerhouse.

Jamie Foxx, meanwhile, clashed with Denzel during The Soloist. Both men are strong-willed, and their creative visions reportedly collided during production. Still, the film was completed, and while respect may exist, friendship never blossomed.

For Denzel, artistry is sacred, and compromise is not easy—especially when he feels the integrity of the work is at stake.

Quentin Tarantino: The Words That Crossed the Line

Finally, there’s Quentin Tarantino. The two famously clashed during the making of Crimson Tide in 1995, when Tarantino added dialogue that Washington felt was racially offensive. Denzel confronted him directly on set, refusing to let the words stand unchallenged.

The feud lasted years until the early 2000s, when Washington said they finally made peace. Ironically, his daughter Katia even worked as a production assistant on Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Still, the incident remains an example of how Denzel’s moral compass has always guided him: when something feels wrong, he speaks up, no matter the cost.

Denzel’s Code: Respect, Discipline, and Distance

What these stories reveal isn’t a man full of hatred, but a man full of principles. Denzel Washington doesn’t feud for sport. He doesn’t thrive on gossip or Hollywood drama. Instead, his so-called “enemies list” reflects the values he’s carried since the beginning:

Respect comes first. Whether it’s on a set, in an interview, or at a party, if respect isn’t present, Denzel walks away.

Discipline over chaos. He values preparation, integrity, and professionalism. He rejects rushed productions and cheap fame.

Faith over fame. Washington has said many times that he’s guided by God. His warnings about the “devil” at parties or during moments of success aren’t just metaphors—they’re reminders of his spiritual worldview.

At 70, Denzel Washington doesn’t need to play Hollywood’s game. He’s built a career that has outlasted trends, scandals, and hype. And maybe that’s why he feels comfortable being honest about the people he can’t stand. In an industry full of masks, Denzel’s refusal to fake friendships is what makes him timeless.

Conclusion

Denzel Washington’s “seven actors he hates the most” isn’t really about hate—it’s about standards. From Tyler Perry’s shortcuts to Oprah’s questionable loyalties, from Diddy’s parties to Tarantino’s scripts, these stories reveal one thing: Denzel refuses to compromise his values for fame.

He doesn’t chase headlines, he doesn’t play politics, and he doesn’t pretend to like people he doesn’t respect. At 70, he’s leaving behind not just a career of legendary performances, but also a blueprint for how to survive Hollywood without losing yourself.

In a world where too many people sell their souls for the spotlight, Denzel Washington’s quiet defiance remains his most powerful role of all.

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