Denzel Washington Health Update After Skipping Joe Biden’s Presidential Event
The White House honored 17 people at the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony on Thursday to recognize people who have made a significant contribution to the national interests of the United States. Among the people who were given the award was Denzel Washington, but the actor was significantly absent from the event.
According to a representative of the actor, as reported by People Magazine, the "Tragedy of Macbeth" star tested positive for COVID-19.
"Denzel tested positive for COVID and so he was unfortunately unable to attend the Medal of Freedom award ceremony," the spokesperson said.
The White House has also confirmed the news, saying he didn't attend the event because of his health condition.
In recent updates about the actor's health, the rep said Washington "feels fine."
Even though the "American Gangster" star failed to attend the event, the outlet noted that he would be honored at a later date.
As of this writing, there is still no information on when Washington will personally receive the award from Joe Biden.
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During Thursday's presidential event, the U.S. President referred to the actor as "a man who couldn't be here today but wanted to be."
Washington was honored because of his decades-long contribution to the film industry. In addition, he was also recognized for being Boys & Girls Clubs of America's spokesperson for more than 25 years.
Speaking about the club in a previous interview, the actor said he was lucky to have the group that made him the man he is today.
"Too many of my childhood friends had little structure or guidance. Some had run-ins with the law and ended up in prison, that could have been me," he said.
Growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, Washington recalled his childhood, saying his father was a Pentecostal preacher who taught him the importance of faith, while his mother was a beautician who sacrificed to give him the best education.
In addition to his parents' contribution during his early years, the actor said the Boys & Girls Club mentors gave him the confidence to set "higher goals" than he might have.
Aside from Denzel Washington, President Joe Biden awarded 16 other people who have "made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States. (via White House's official website)
Honorees include Simone Biles, Sister Simone Campbell, Father Alexander Karloustsos, Khizr Khan, Diane Nash, Sandra Lindsay, and many more.
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