Washington also walked back his original comments, noting that it was a "peck" and that the scene "really is much ado about nothing"

As Gladiator 2 nears its release, director Ridley Scott and actor Denzel Washington addressed reports of a deleted same-s*x kiss scene, clarifying its absence from the final cut. Cast members Connie Nielsen and producer Michael Pruss also discussed the film’s edits and their impact on the story.

Director Ridley Scott Refutes Denzel Washington’s Claims About same-sex Kiss in Gladiator II, says It Never Took Place

Gladiator II director Ridley Scott has hit out at claims made by Denzel Washington that a gay kiss was removed from the film. The Oscar-winning actor made the claims in an interview promoting the long-awaited sequel last week.