On-Screen Kisses That Stirred Up More BTS Drama Than People Realize

While filming 1993’s The Pelican Brief with Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington unexpectedly pulled out of a planned kissing scene. His reasons, however, were not bad breath or any tension between them. Washington explained that his choice was rooted in a sense of responsibility to his Black female fans, whom he felt were often overlooked in Hollywood.

He believed that kissing Roberts on screen might alienate this vital part of his audience. Julia Roberts later revealed in an interview that the decision was entirely Washington’s, and she had been ready and even excited to film the scene.