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Denzel Washington's son John David slams reporter for disregarding his mother's influence in his life

In a recent interview with Today's Craig Melvin, John David ensured to point out that he isn't just a son of one superstar, but two powerful figures
UPDATED APR 7, 2020
John David Washington (Source:Getty Images)
John David Washington (Source:Getty Images)

John David Washington, the son of Oscar-winner Denzel Washington and actress Pauletta, made sure a reporter knew exactly who both of his parents were during a powerful interview with the Today show recently.

John David Washington, while speaking on his latest film 'BlacKkKlansman,' shut down Today's Craig Melvin after he asked him about being raised in showbusiness by his famous father and seemed to ignore his equally talented mother.

 John David Washington with Laura Harrier on August 9, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

When asked by Craig about getting started in the film industry "being the son of Denzel Washington," John David quickly interrupted before the reporter could finish. Unimpressed by the dismissal of his mother, the actor responded: 'And Pauletta Washington', to which Craig thanked him for reminding him.

Peter Kujawski, Corey Hawkins, Laura Harrier, Nick Turturro, Ashlie Atkinson, Spike Lee, Ken Garito, Ron Stallworth, Jasper Paakkonen, Topher Grace, Damaris Lewis, John David Washington and Paul Walter Hauser attend the after party for the premiere of Focus Features' 'BlacKkKlansman' on August 8, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Before the interview continued, John David turned the attention onto this lesser-known parent, who previously worked on the soundtrack for Philadelphia and was featured in Spike Lee's Netflix series 'She's Gotta Have It.'

Speaking of his mother, the 34-year-old star interjected: "[She] was earning more money than he was before they got married. She was on Broadway working and she paid for the first date, paid the bill, paid for the cab ride..."

Keeping cool throughout the impassioned speech, the Ballers star continued: "She’s a classically trained pianist, went to Julliard. She’s a great artist in her own right and I learned a lot from her."

"My father taught me how to hunt, my mother taught me how to love," he added.

TV reporter Craig took the comments in good faith, later tweeting: 'Ha. To be clear. I was a fan of John David Washington before our sit down. Am an even bigger fan now. Next time we sit down, I’ll be asking about Mrs. Washington first." 

John David's father, 63-year-old Denzel Washington, has been married to 67-year-old Pauletta for more than 35 years and proved that some relationships in Hollywood are capable of lasting.

Denzel Washington and wife Pauletta Pearson kiss for the 'Kiss Cam' during Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on May 19, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

In an interview with People, Denzel revealed exactly what it has taken in order for his marriage to survive the harshness of being in the limelight.

"I do what I'm told, keep my mouth shut," Denzel joked. He and Pauletta, who have four children together, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in June.

The Golden Globe-winning actor met Pauletta on set while he was filming a TV movie entitled 'Wilma'. The couple married in 1983 and have four children: John David, Katia, 30; Olivia, 27; and Malcolm, 27.

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