It’s hard living in the shadows of your parent, and when your dad just so happens to be Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, it’s even more difficult trying to make a name for yourself. Washington’s eldest son, John David, has had a successful start to his own acting career, but could this be because he avoids his father as much as possible?
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The internet surely thinks so. The release of Netflix’s “The Piano Lesson,” starring John David and Samuel L. Jackson, is resurfacing rumors from fans who say John David often deflects questions about his father.
“The Piano Lesson” is a Washington family affair. John David stars, Malcolm Washington— the youngest Washington son— makes his directorial debut, and even the patriarch puts on his producing hat for the film. But in an interview with the Washington men, some fans think life inside the Washington home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
“Is it me or does John stare at Denzel with such a side eye?” @EL_CAP_10 wrote on TikTok. Another user said this wasn’t the first time the young actor has seemed to be annoyed with his dad. “...Every time that John David has to talk about his dad he looks extra not cool and always gives his mom credit,” @jesseguzman11 said.
One TikTok user speculates these alleged issues could stem from Washington’s past struggles with addiction. The Root previously reported Washington’s admission to doing “a lot of damage to the body” with drugs and alcohol. On TikTok, @the_aliciaford wrote “Denzel just said he has been sober for 10 years …. John has seen some things.”
Along that same note, TikToker @notstablebutnotinsane said “Typically, the oldest child experience the unhealed version of their parents. I love that he doesn’t bash his dad, but instead honors his mother.” In fact, John David always makes sure to give his mother, Pauletta, her flowers.
John David credits his mother for teaching him “how to love,” and Washington himself has emphasized how his wife held it down while he was chasing his dreams on the big screen. Washington’s youngest son, Malcolm, even dedicated “The Piano Lesson” to his mother, who is an pianist herself.
But back to the father-son duo.... Even when John David is directly probed about his dad, he tends to pivot. When asked about the pressure he feels being Washington’s son, John David shifted gears completely saying “the pressure honestly came from Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Potts,” referring to “The Piano Lesson.”
In the comments of the video, TikToker @muslimgirl1973 said “He doesn’t want to be compared to his father. Distancing himself, so his success is not 100% from nepotism.” Another user pointed out how John David is “poised, respectful and gracious, but there is an obvious pattern revealed each interview....” And they might be on to something.
Despite the dancing around questions and alleged side eyes, John David has always honored his father and kept the family business just that... family business. It’s important to note all of this is simply internet speculation. With no real proof that Washington and his son are secretly at odds, it’s best for everyone to just mind their business and watch the movies!
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