Cut Scene Where Denzel Washington ‘Kissed a Guy Full on the Lips’ in ‘Gladiator II’ Sparks Discussion: Details

Denzel Washington has speculated on the reason behind the decision to cut a same-sex kiss from “Gladiator II.”

Fans have strongly reacted to the news of Denzel Washington’s gay kiss in “Gladiator II,” with some even vowing to boycott the highly anticipated action-adventure film.

Washington stars as a ruthless power broker, Macrinus, who is bisexual in the action film. The actor did an interview with Gayety promoting the film, where he revealed that he kissed a male costar in a since-deleted scene.

The 69-year-old had been asked how gay the Roman empire was, to which he replied, “I actually kissed a man in the film but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken.”

Washington added, “I kissed a guy full on the lips and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet.” The actor noted that he killed the man five minutes later, referring to the action as “the kiss of death.”

Fan reactions to the news of the cut scene where Denzel Washington had a gay kiss were overwhelmingly disapproving. One person bluntly stated, “I think I just decided I don’t want to see Gladiator II.” Another echoed a similar sentiment, “And now I’m not going to see it.”

Concerns about the movie’s legacy were raised, with a fan lamenting, “This movie will ruin the franchise for future generations.” A more direct critique came with the comment, “This movie sounds like its [sic] going to be awful.”