Denzel Washington Checks A Group Of People Outside Of MoMA: Watch

Denzel Washington‘s inner Alonzo Harris almost jumped out when he confronted a group of men outside of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Outside of MoMA’s Film Benefit on Wednesday (Oct. 23), the Oscar winner snapped photos before making his way toward the museum entrance. Fans are then heard repeatedly telling Denzel to “show some love,” even after the Oscar winner told him he’d take care of them upon his exit. The continued hollering led the actor to approach the group.

“Yo, yo, yo. Put this down,” said the 69-year-old in a video shared by TMZ. “I heard you, you keep talking about showing love, I got nothing but love, but respect me. I said I’ll see you when I get out. Which part of that don’t y’all understand? Or not. We could do that another way. We can do it both ways. You feel me!”

Fans rallied behind Washington and joked that he almost went full Training Day on the hecklers. “If… ‘Don’t let this suit fool you’ was a person,” one responded.

Olympian Justin Gatlin quipped, “Y’all better leave Denzel alone he gonna have y’all playing basketball in Pelican Bay!!!” Another commented, “Denzel is NOT the one.. and y’all gotta remember he’s getting up there in age baby.. That patience level ain’t the same! Better play with somebody else.. y’all seen American Gangster! Oop.”

The Gladiator II star was at this year’s benefit to celebrate Samuel L. Jackson—who was recognized as the 2024 honoree. Washington took the stage with a special sentiment for his longtime friend.

Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson at The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit 2024 Presented By CHANEL

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Museum of Modern Art

(L-R) Alexander Smalls, Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson at The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit 2024

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Museum of Modern Art

“Lord forgive me, but Samuel L. Jackson is a bad motherf**ker!” he exclaimed, according to Vogue. “Sam and I go back 45 years. He’s family to me. He’s my children’s uncle, [his daughter] Zoe is like our daughter. LaTanya and Pauletta—Lord knows what the two of y’all have talked about! I love him, I respect him, I wish I was half the character actor that he is.”