Denzel Washington branded a ‘hero’ as footage of actor intervening between police and homeless man goes viral amid George Floyd protests

One commenter described the actor’s actions as ‘a selfless and beautiful form of human decency’

Denzel Washington has been praised for a video in which he can been seen coming to the aid of a distressed homeless man as he is confronted by police.

The footage, which was published by TMZ a week ago, has gone viral online in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.

In the clip, Washington can be seen wearing a protective face mask, standing between two police officers and the unidentified man.

TMZ reported that Washington saw the man was imperilled by oncoming traffic, so he “got out of his car, talked to the man and brought him to safety on the sidewalk”, before mediating when police arrived.

People on Twitter have praised the Malcolm X star for his actions.

“Denzel Washington is one of the stand-up guys in Hollywood,” wrote one person. “He walks the walk.”

Another described Washington’s actions as “a selfless and beautiful form of human decency”.

“Video circulating around of #DenzelWashington serving as a barrier between police & an unarmed homeless man,” wrote former MMA fighter Tam Khan.

“Jumped out of his car, fed the man, helped calm the situation for a calm arrest. That is what you call a hero!”

“Denzel Washington is a good man”, wrote actor Jillian Barberie, in response to the clip.

“This is how you use your celebrity,” wrote someone on Instagram.