Fact Check: Did Denzel Washington say he ripped his Democratic Party card years ago?
WASHINGTON, DC: A rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that popular Hollywood actor Denzel Washington said that he ripped his Democratic Party card years ago, highlighting his disdain for the party. The claim has sparked both criticism and support, with many appearing to believe it is true, while a few others called for a fact check.
Claim: Denzel Washington said that he ripped his Democratic Party card
According to a Facebook post, the Oscar-winning actor said, “I ripped up my Democratic Party card years ago.”
The post was accompanied by a link to an article that stated the alleged remark finally addressed persistent rumors about his political affiliation.
The article also said Washington made the statement during a private dinner, which a journalist later leaked.
“He was very clear about it,” the journalist purportedly reported. “Said he hadn’t been a card-carrying Democrat since 2003.
The claim drew support for the 71-year-old actor from conservatives, who expressed solidarity with him and slammed the Democratic Party.
Fact Check: The claim originated from a parody account
The claim, however, is false, as there are no reports of the ‘Training Day’ actor making such a controversial remark.
A search on Google for the claim yielded no credible reports by prominent news and entertainment media outlets, which, if true, would have been widely covered given the sensationalism of the remark. The above-mentioned statement by a journalist is also baseless and fabricated.
There are also no records of Washington ever being a member of the Democratic Party, although he has supported the party on several instances.
Moreover, the claim was posted by a popular Facebook parody account called ‘America’s Last Line Of Defense,’ which describes itself in the bio as ‘Nothing on this page is real.’ Hence, the claim is rated as satire, made for the sake of engagement.
Similar fabricated rumors about Washington have surfaced before, including the claim that the actor praised President Donald Trump, which has been debunked by fact-checkers.
Denzel Washington once urged voters to reject party manipulation
During the 2016 presidential election, Washington endorsed Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump, while his stance on the 2024 election remains unclear.
In an interview in 2024, the actor urged the voters to realize that they’re being manipulated by both parties.
“You know, it’s so easy to stand outside America and say this and that. Turn around, you know? Pick a country. Any one,” he said.
