Denzel Washington performed the function of a “excellent Samaritan” in a viral video as he helped a homeless black man in Los Angeles throughout an encounter with police that has drawn sharp contrasts to George Floyd’s demise in Minneapolis.
The 65-year-old “Equalizer” star “noticed a commotion in West Hollywood with cops and an unarmed distressed homeless man,” former NBA participant Rex Chapman wrote on Twitter alongside a video of the encounter, in response to USA Right this moment.
“He obtained out of his automobile and served as a barrier between the man and the police — helping to diffuse a tense scenario. This man was arrested safely,” he added in the publish Thursday.
In one other video posted by person @MoPhoPix, an LA cop explains how Washington, carrying a masks and clad in a black cap, grey T-shirt and black shorts, helped through the incident.
“Denzel drove by, noticed the person on the street and was fearful about his security,” the police sergeant says in the footage.
“We intervened, spoke with the person and decided that he didn’t wish to hurt himself or others, and he was on his means, and Denzel left,” the officer says.
“Denzel offered him a masks to guard himself from the atmosphere and that was good. So Denzel helped us as we speak,” he says, including that Washington put further masks in the man’s pocket.
The actor was a “excellent Samaritan,” he provides.
“That is how an encounter with the cops is meant to finish,” @MoPhoPix wrote, an apparent reference to the demise of George Floyd whereas in Minneapolis police custody.
An LAPD spokesperson declined to remark to additional to USA Right this moment on the incident, which the information outlet mentioned befell Could 21.
As of Friday morning, the video had 3.7 million views.
“I noticed Denzel Washington trending and obtained scared, however it was ONLY as a result of he’s on the market being a hero, saving a life whereas WEARING HIS DAMN MASK,” person @mmpadellan wrote on Twitter. “MY man!”
Many social media customers contrasted the incident with Floyd’s case, which has sparked violent protests after his demise whereas being detained by police.
“DenzelWashington Did what anyone ought to do in that type of scenario I might’ve prefer to know that the folks recording #GeorgeFloyd or These surrounding him might’ve felt secure sufficient to do the identical,” @BryonnaJones mentioned on Twitter.
“Can Denzel Washington go to Minnesota and educate a category?” added @joshuafett75.
“Denzel Washington has been my favourite actor for some time now,” @WesKCrochet mentioned. “What he did for that homeless man simply bolstered that.”
Read More: Denzel Washington seen helping homeless man in LA, video shows